Maureen Johnson, Ph.D., is a Health Education Instructor at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She’s also an adult diagnosed with anautism spectrum disorder(ASD).
Having recently gone through the college system, Maureen has firsthand knowledge of how to smooth the path to graduation. Her suggestions are a great start for autistic teens (and their guardians) as they think about applying for, managing, and thriving in college.
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1. Get the Right Documentation
Obtain certification of your ASD from a medical professional. In order to obtain accommodations on a college campus (such as disability support services), you will probably be required to have documentation of your ASD from a physician, neurologist, or psychiatrist.
2. Don’t Hide Your Austism
When applying for college or a program, it is a good idea to indicate your autism status. Of course, you are not required to do so. However, state institutions are not permitted to discriminate against someone due to a diagnosed disability.
What percentage of autistic people graduate college?Only 39% of college students with an ASD ultimately graduate. That said, 80% of students with an ASD obtain high GPAs, exceeding 3.0.
What percentage of autistic people graduate college?
Only 39% of college students with an ASD ultimately graduate. That said, 80% of students with an ASD obtain high GPAs, exceeding 3.0.
3. Know Where to Find Support
Without delay, locate the support services on campus. This is very important, as they will likely be the professionals who will arrange (or provide verification) for you to receive necessary accommodations to perform well in your courses.
4. Talk to Your Professors
Let your professors know of your ASD and what may be helpful to you. If possible, arrange a meeting with your professors before the beginning of the semester, but no later than the first week. They will probably respect your honesty and the initiative you are taking in your courses. Also, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Many instructors are willing to help someone who asks for it.
5. Consider Your Living Situation
If you are planning on living in a dorm, you may want to let the administration know about your ASD or request a private room. If you are extremelysensitive to external stimuli(light, sound, etc.), you may want to be placed on a “study floor” instead of a “sorority wing.” Or, you may want to request a private room so that you have a little more control over your environment.
Can autistic people succeed in college?People with an ASD can absolutely succeed in college, but there are certainly challenges, so leaning into available support resources is important.
Can autistic people succeed in college?
People with an ASD can absolutely succeed in college, but there are certainly challenges, so leaning into available support resources is important.
6. Try Your Best
Speaking as an instructor who also has an ASD, I am sensitive to students who have disabilities. However, this also means I expect students to attend class unless they have medical documentation.
7. Find Career Support
Seek career counseling as soon as possible. Finding a job after graduation is particularly challenging for students with an ASD. Unfortunately, society tends to focus on the limitations that come with the word “autism” rather than thestrengths.
Write down some activities you really enjoy doing or perform particularly well. This can be very helpful for a career counselor who will work to provide you with some direction in terms of courses, volunteer, and internship opportunities.
8. Talk to a Therapist or Counselor
9. Lean on Your Advisor
Utilize an advisor. Take an active approach with the advisor you are assigned. It can’t hurt to mention your ASD so you can work with them to find a career that is compatible with your strengths. Share the results of any career testing with your advisor, so you can receive more guidance.
10. Jot Down Strengths and Weaknesses
11. Find Medical Care Close By
Establish a medical care provider near your campus. This is extremely important because as a person with an ASD, you have one or more medical conditions that many college students will not share. Do some research online or ask the hometown physician for a referral.
12. Join a Club or Group
Join an activity to meet people with similar interests to your own. Socializing is not something that always comes easily to people with an ASD. Think of those activities you enjoy or in which you have succeeded. There are bound to be groups or clubs focusing on that activity.
13. Consider Online Options
14. Celebrate Your Success
Are 85% of autistic college graduates unemployed?Yes, as many as 85% of college graduates with ASD are unemployed or underemployed. They also typically earn less than their peers. Thus, it’s important for those with ASD to take advantage of career resources and ongoing therapy well after graduation to increase their odds of success.
Are 85% of autistic college graduates unemployed?
Yes, as many as 85% of college graduates with ASD are unemployed or underemployed. They also typically earn less than their peers. Thus, it’s important for those with ASD to take advantage of career resources and ongoing therapy well after graduation to increase their odds of success.
Summary
Attending college with autism can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible.
From finding the right types of support and talking to your professors to considering alternative classroom and living situation options, there are plenty of ways to make college possible. Don’t forget to celebrate your success along the way.
1 SourceVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Eastern Florida State College.Autistic Students Learn Keys To Success At EFSC.
1 Source
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Eastern Florida State College.Autistic Students Learn Keys To Success At EFSC.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Eastern Florida State College.Autistic Students Learn Keys To Success At EFSC.
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