University accommodations

When looking for university accommodations, it can be a bit overwhelming to know where to start, especially when considering the specific needs related to autism. A few things that might help are seeking out sensory-friendly environments and ensuring the accommodations offer supportive services. Many universities have dedicated teams to assist with this, so reaching out to them early can be beneficial.Another option is exploring nearby accommodations if living on campus doesn't seem like the right fit. 

I had my exams in a seperate room from everyone else and used a computer that wasn't linked to the internet. I wa also given some extra time.

When doing essays I found that researching one a day seemed easiest or the one I felt most inspired by. I think the trick is to know when to stop researching and start writing properly.

It sounds like you're going through a lot with university accommodations, and you're definitely not alone in this. Many students find that extra time for exams and the option to take them in a quieter setting can be incredibly helpful. If you're overwhelmed by lectures, see if your university allows recording or provides notes in advance. Universities often have mentors or support groups that can help you manage both the academic and social aspects of university life.

For exams, considering your struggles with deadlines and staying on topic, requesting extra time and perhaps a quiet, distraction-free environment could be beneficial. As for alternative assessment methods, like a 'test of understanding' interview, definitely bring it up with your advisors. They're there to explore all options that might suit you best.

Give me a mo, just pulling up my student support document

First thing is DSA

DSA for me provided recording software and hardware for lectures, including some transcription software (my audio prosessing is rubbish)

An app called brain in hand that has been very helpful with organisation and unexpected change (I have a post somewhere on this forum giving a more detailed review)

Active noise cancelling headphones (godsent)

And while my university provided this, if your uni doesn't provide it DSA can also give you an autism specialist mentor, and a study skills advisor. Both of these I found extremely helpful in the managing deadlines, admin, and working out what the question wants side of uni. 

Uni also provides a bunch of accommodations

Extended deadlines where feasible

Regular scheduling

breaks in practicals if needed (I have to choose an appropriate time, I can't leave if things are reacting and exploding everywhere)

Single room for field trips (also very useful)

More forward information

More information provided in writing

For exams: Extra time, separate room - low density venue (fewer than 10 people), some people can also get single person rooms, rest breaks - up to 10mins per hour, non bluetooth earplugs to avoid distractions, pre approved fidget items, a quiet snack. 

I'm at cambridge that provides housing for all three years, so I also have adjustments based on that, so en-suite, cooking facilities, and in a quiet area of college. 

I also have more meetings than other people with my tutor and college nurse.

There are many other things out there that are helpful, I found my disability advisor incredibly helpful in suggesting loads of stuff. 

Hope this gives you some ideas though

You might be able to sit your exams in a smaller room or on your own if the big exam hall is overwhelming. You could also ask for accommodations regarding lectures and face to face teachings such as having notes in advance or being allowed to record lectures. You could ask for any feedback to be given in written form. If note taking is an issue you could get help with that. You might be able to access study skills sessions 1 on 1. Your university might also have a mentoring scheme where you have a trained mentor to help navigate social and no academic aspects of university life. There are lots more adjustments that could be made- hopefully the disability advisor will be helpful in suggesting possible adjustments too. I know that it’s really hard to know what to ask for- I did my bachelor and masters without knowing that i am autistic and when I found out I was working but had no idea what adjustments if any I should ask for (so I didn’t ask even though thinking back I could have benefitted from some). Now I’m doing a PhD and there are a few recommendations in place- the autism advisor here has been helpful but I am also more and more aware of what is important to me and what I need in order to be able to function. The adjustments I have are probably not relevant to your situation though as I’m now in a lab based course and essentially working. 

CM said:

I really struggle with deadlines especially when there are multiple coming up (I think because of difficulty switching focus/changing activity) and staying on topic.

I found that timetabling my study was the only way to manage this. I'm sure you have come across this so just mark out your time allocated to studying, check it against other commitments and then work out where you can fit in your work to achieve the deadlines.

It helps to keep a sheet detailing the requirements for each deadline and cross them off as you do them - keep these in managable chunks of work so you get to cross stuff off regularly and gain a feel of progress to the objectives.

Keep focus on the subject you are scheduled in to study and leave the rest to their time windows - this helps stop the worry about them bleeding over and distracting you. They have their time and will get addressed so no need to worry.

Try to also build a buffer in the days running up to the deadline so you can allow for slippage in case of unexpected delays (illness, unplanned hook up, unmissable concert etc) and when you don't need to use that buffer, have a celebration (eg meal out, cinema visit or whatever) to reward yourself.

CM said:

I’m worried that because I didn’t need support in my first two years it’s going to be harder to access support now. 

This won't be an issue as the work does ratchet up in difficulty and intensity as the course goes on so it is expected.

The key is to look at what things are causing you pain / delays / problems and consider if they are related to your autism. If they are, get a session with a therapist with autism experience and work out how you can request adjustments for these - for the £50 or so for the session it is well worth it I think.