What could universities or higher education do better for autistic students?

[CEJesson]

Hi all,

 

I want your opinion on this, as autism will be one of my focus areas when working at the university this year.

 

What could Universities or higher education in general do better for autistic students?

 

Is further education sufficiently preparing students with an ASD for university life (if they wish to go)

 

And...what does higher eduction do well for students with ASD at the moment?

 

Your thoughts are much appreciated. Information will not be used or published in writing to anyone, this is to help sheffield univeristy work in the interests of students with ASD at an improved level to what is currently provided.

 

Thanks

Edited January 31, 2009 by CEJesson

[Mumble]

Hi Chris,

 

I'll have a think and get back to you if that's alright (and depending on what I want to say and how politely I can frame it it may go in a PM instead of on the forum )

 

However, one big thing I think has to be remembered is that, as parents on here experience with schools and adults do in various employment, there is a HUGE diversity in how universities recognise and respond to ASD students' needs. Mine has been woeful and caused me great distress intensifying many of my ASD characteristics - other universities (and I know Sheffield is one) are far far more encouraging of ASD students and are actually prepared to listen to them and act on their needs, supporting them to be fully integrated members of the university community, rather than side-lined and demoralised by a system that either can't or doesn't want to accept diversity.

 

It's too late for me now, but I'll still do everything in my power to stop other ASD students going through what I have with my university.

 

[stepdad]

Hi Chris,

 

I'll have a think and get back to you if that's alright (and depending on what I want to say and how politely I can frame it it may go in a PM instead of on the forum )

 

However, one big thing I think has to be remembered is that, as parents on here experience with schools and adults do in various employment, there is a HUGE diversity in how universities recognise and respond to ASD students' needs. Mine has been woeful and caused me great distress intensifying many of my ASD characteristics - other universities (and I know Sheffield is one) are far far more encouraging of ASD students and are actually prepared to listen to them and act on their needs, supporting them to be fully integrated members of the university community, rather than side-lined and demoralised by a system that either can't or doesn't want to accept diversity.

 

It's too late for me now, but I'll still do everything in my power to stop other ASD students going through what I have with my university.

Hello guys interesting to hear your views, as my 18yr Aspergers stepson is looking at going to university next year and obviously his mother and I have concerns for him. He has been offered a look around Bangor, which actually has special needs help as well as single rooms with en-suite, which is a must for him.

Can you give us any info on other uni's that I can look up?

Cheers Robbie

[bid]

This applies to FE college, so don't know if it's helpful...

 

Anyway: ensuring that tutors are actually told about a student's dx.

 

My DS has just dropped out of finishing his A levels at a mainstream FE college. He only found out by chance from one tutor that his dx hadn't been passed on!

 

Bid

[Kathryn]

Hello guys interesting to hear your views, as my 18yr Aspergers stepson is looking at going to university next year and obviously his mother and I have concerns for him. He has been offered a look around Bangor, which actually has special needs help as well as single rooms with en-suite, which is a must for him.

Can you give us any info on other uni's that I can look up?

Cheers Robbie

 

I've heard Hertfordshire is very good.

 

K x

[Tally]

I have never been to university. The reason I did not go was because I felt very much younger than my peers and felt I wouldn't be able to look after myself. Some kind of support and help with developing a routine that could work for me would have made it possible.

[CEJesson]

I've found the service at Sheffield very good indeed, and the other university Sheffield Hallam also has very good support for students with all disabilities let alone aspergers, including a specialist autism centre. Hallam expects lower grades than Sheffield and has a few different subjects. The city isn't threatening either.

[ScienceGeek]

I'll talk to you on Monday about it