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Autism and Open University

Non Human Entity

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

  • I am currently studying computing with the OU and so far it has been a very good experience. The disability support team have been very helpful and both tutors I have had have been supportive. I am just coming to the end of my second computing module, but will be changing to science in October as that's more where my interests lie. As mentioned by NAS50301, there are module forums where you can discuss things with fellow students and tutors if you want to, and they run face-to-face and online tutorials (I never attended any, but always listened to the recordings for the online ones afterwards). There is lots of help you can ask for. For example, my next module is delivered fully online, but the OU will be providing me with printed versions of the module because I can't manage a lot of screen time. It also has an exam and I will be applying for reasonable adjustments for that (coloured paper, a separate room, extra time, etc). 

    I studied previously at a traditional university before I was diagnosed and really struggled there, but I think the OU is ideal for anyone who doesn't want to or can't deal with the social aspects of uni. I would say, go for it :)

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  • I am currently studying computing with the OU and so far it has been a very good experience. The disability support team have been very helpful and both tutors I have had have been supportive. I am just coming to the end of my second computing module, but will be changing to science in October as that's more where my interests lie. As mentioned by NAS50301, there are module forums where you can discuss things with fellow students and tutors if you want to, and they run face-to-face and online tutorials (I never attended any, but always listened to the recordings for the online ones afterwards). There is lots of help you can ask for. For example, my next module is delivered fully online, but the OU will be providing me with printed versions of the module because I can't manage a lot of screen time. It also has an exam and I will be applying for reasonable adjustments for that (coloured paper, a separate room, extra time, etc). 

    I studied previously at a traditional university before I was diagnosed and really struggled there, but I think the OU is ideal for anyone who doesn't want to or can't deal with the social aspects of uni. I would say, go for it :)

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