Support for Autistic Students:
What is Autism?
Autism is defined by a differences in social interaction, communication, and sensory processing.
Challenges you may face:
Social Interaction: Navigating social situations, making friends, and understanding unspoken cues can be challenging. Lectures, tutorials, and group projects may feel overwhelming socially.
Sensory Overload: Bright lights, loud noises, and crowded spaces can be overwhelming, leading to distraction and discomfort.
Communication: Expressing yourself verbally or in writing can be difficult. Finding clear ways to articulate your thoughts can be frustrating.
Routine & Structure: Deviating from routines or encountering unexpected changes can be unsettling.
Why Traditional Study Tips May Not Work:
Standard study methods often focus on group work, collaborative learning, and adapting to unpredictable situations. This might not align with the structured, predictable environment that many autistic individuals find most conducive to learning.
Strengths:
Focus & Detail: You might succeed in focusing deeply on topics of interest, delving into details, and retaining intricate information.
Logic & Analysis: You might have a knack for logical thinking and problem-solving, approaching tasks analytically and breaking them down into manageable steps.
Honesty: You likely communicate directly and honestly, expressing your thoughts with clarity – great for group discussions.
Building Your Toolkit:
Self-soothe kit: This may be in the form of a pencil case or a box. The self-soothe kit can include items that have significance for you and help you ground when feeling overwhelmed.
Examples:
- Pictures of loved ones
- Fidget toys
- Incense oils
- Notes from loved ones
- Medication
Support available:
Disability and Neuroinclusion: The D&N service on campus can help you make reasonable exam adjustments, provide you with a study-skills mentor and help you access the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).
Find out more: Services and support | University of Surrey
Disabled Students’ Allowance:
The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is support to cover the study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long-term illness or any other disability.
Useful Apps:
- Sweepy (chores)
- Finch (routine)
- Habitica
- Molehill Mountain (autism and anxiety)
- Calm (meditation)
- Colorfy (colouring app)
- Miracle Modus (calming app that uses patterns and sounds to reduce anxiety)
Books:
- The Neurodivergent Friendly Book of DBT Skills
- Unmasked: Ellie Middleton
- Girl Unmasked
- Different Not Less: Chloe Hayden
