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
  • I did my degree through the Open University (graduated about 4 years ago) but hadn't been diagnosed yet (was only diagnosed less than a week ago). I found OU the only way I could do University though, having had gone to an 'in person' University and dropped out after 6 months after having major difficulties there. I was awarded DSA (disabled students allowance) through OU (for MH issues) which allowed the support of a mentor, who for me was amazing and basically was there if I got overwhelmed with what I was supposed to be doing and was also brilliant for accountability for checking I was doing the work I had set for myself (instead of going of and doing something I found more interesting at the time). You do have to be quite motivated to get it done, and have a plan in place, but the tutors are quite supportive and made allowances for some extensions occasionally when I had got a little bit behind! Good luck

Reply
  • I did my degree through the Open University (graduated about 4 years ago) but hadn't been diagnosed yet (was only diagnosed less than a week ago). I found OU the only way I could do University though, having had gone to an 'in person' University and dropped out after 6 months after having major difficulties there. I was awarded DSA (disabled students allowance) through OU (for MH issues) which allowed the support of a mentor, who for me was amazing and basically was there if I got overwhelmed with what I was supposed to be doing and was also brilliant for accountability for checking I was doing the work I had set for myself (instead of going of and doing something I found more interesting at the time). You do have to be quite motivated to get it done, and have a plan in place, but the tutors are quite supportive and made allowances for some extensions occasionally when I had got a little bit behind! Good luck

Children