Autism and Open University

Hi everyone,

To provide a little context I have attempted to make headway into the world of academia on multiple occasions (school, college and uni) and in every instance have dropped out. It is only due to a recent diagnosis of ASD and personal research that I have identified this as the real cause of my failings. I have been working against myself (resulting in unbearable anxiety) and not playing to my strengths it seems.

I consistently feel frustrated that I am not able to use my brain for anything constructive, but now I know what has been holding me back I am considering returning to some form of study. Having done some research, it seems a course focusing on computing may be best for me as it is something I am interested in and a lot of other people with ASD seem to find success in this area. I also think going down the open university route may be best as I can study to my own schedule and avoid most of the stressful travel and social aspects. Open University do offer extra support for students with ASD also. 

Does anyone here with ASD have experience participating in courses on the Open University? Did you receive extra support and did it help?

Thanks,

Tom

  

Parents
  • Hi Tom

    I had a good experience with the OU. (Gov) Disabled Students allowance was generous and essential. It involved a four hour psychology assessment. I was allocated a study support mentor, four hours per week. To help organise workload and structure written work. You should be able to request an assessment easily enough. You may also get specialist equipment like voice to text software, a laptop. 

    I felt embarassed and uncomfortable with my extra support, but past efforts without it meant I failed courses. Uni certainly reveals difficulties in communication. Initially, these discoveries hurt, but over time it is liberating to increase understanding of oneself. In the past I was very frustrated with low achievement, and this support took me up 20 marks on essays. 

    I only managed as I chose my main passion as a subject. So, I went well overboard on many fascinating academic topics.

    Hope it works out for you.

    Mich 

Reply
  • Hi Tom

    I had a good experience with the OU. (Gov) Disabled Students allowance was generous and essential. It involved a four hour psychology assessment. I was allocated a study support mentor, four hours per week. To help organise workload and structure written work. You should be able to request an assessment easily enough. You may also get specialist equipment like voice to text software, a laptop. 

    I felt embarassed and uncomfortable with my extra support, but past efforts without it meant I failed courses. Uni certainly reveals difficulties in communication. Initially, these discoveries hurt, but over time it is liberating to increase understanding of oneself. In the past I was very frustrated with low achievement, and this support took me up 20 marks on essays. 

    I only managed as I chose my main passion as a subject. So, I went well overboard on many fascinating academic topics.

    Hope it works out for you.

    Mich 

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