Studying and Autism

Student support is often tailored to individual needs. In daily practice, this means aligning the (im)possibilities of the education program with the needs of the student.

When starting your studies, discuss with the study advisor of your programme what you need due to your autism to get the most out of your studies. Together, assess what is needed and what support agreements can be made. The study advisor can advise and guide you on the support and facilities available within your program. Think of periodic support meetings, study guidance focused on structure, support with making a realistic study plan (tailored to you), collaboration and communication with teachers and fellow students, possible test provisions such as extended test time, a quiet and low-stimulus test room, and the use of reading software.

• Consult the Student Well-being Platform on CANVAS - an internal UT information site with, among other things, videos on topics related to studying and maintaining your mental health. It offers advice, practical tips, useful links, and exercises. The platform includes a module on Autism, where you can find information and self-help tools on studying with Autism.
• On the Study Skills webpage, you can find practical tips on how to stay focused while studying.
• Check which courses and trainings are offered to support your mental health, and make an appointment with the student psychologist for an introductory conversation to assess your symptoms and determine the help you need.
• Consult the well-being website "Are you okay?" 

For information for Higher Education students with support needs, visit the "I study with Autism" webpage, which provides an overview of problem situations with tips on what you can do.

 As a student with personal circumstances, you can rely on the various UT counsellors for study support and necessary facilities. They will work with you to remove any barriers and prevent or minimize study delays caused by your circumstances.

If you experience any difficulties due to your personal circumstances, talk to your study adviser. The study adviser can advise you on course selection, set up an adapted study plan in case of study delays caused by your circumstances, or give space for therapeutic treatment. The study adviser can also support you in organizing necessary adjustments within your program and help with communication with your lecturers.

• For students with Autism, there is an Autism consultation hour available for extra support and advice, as well as for telephone consultation.
• The student psychologist provides support for mental health issues. During an orientation interview, the student psychologist advises on appropriate next steps for your situation. If you feel the need for a personal conversation and advice about your circumstances, make an appointment with your GP or the student psychologist.
• The student counsellor provides independent advice and financial support arrangements for study delays caused by your (mental) health issues. Consult the student counsellor for advice and practical support if you expect difficulties in the study environment due to personal circumstances.
• If you want to use the facilities and arrangements, consult the step-by-step plan. A proof of your personal circumstances is required to access the facilities and arrangements.

The tools provided are not intended to replace professional psychological or medical counseling, but to supplement regular "consulting room counselling" with a licensed physician or psychologist. In case of psychological complaints, contact the student psychologist or an external regular professional counselor.

• Online self-test to see if there may be indications of autism spectrum disorder. 
• Kabass: information, resources, links and tips within a variety of topics for young adults with autism. Themes: Study / Work / Living / Leisure / Relationships / Transportation.
• Online mind map software to use for creating structured summaries and as a tool in a brainstorming session such as mindmeister and bubbl.us.
• Kurzweil: a tool for structuring texts with visual and auditory support. 
• Timetimer forces you to spend a certain amount of time doing something. Also available as an app. 
• Limit your internet use with the Yona app. 

• ANDY's community : A Neurodiverse Do-It-Yourself Community at UT
• National Autistic Society -  a British organization dedicated to providing information and professional help for people with autism.

• Fast Facts about Autism
• Tony Attwood’s website - the website is a guide for people with Asperger syndrome, parents, and professionals.
• The autism hangout - regular podcasts in conversation with 'autism hangout' founder/reporter Craig Evans with Asperger specialist Dr. Tony Attwood.
• Coping: a survivor's guide for people with Asperger syndrome - Marc Segar (pdf, 326 Kb)