
College Student Housing: Answers for Autistic Students
Video overview of college student housing with STEM grad student Patrick Dwyer. Noise, room accommodations, issues with roommates, and more.
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Video overview of college student housing with STEM grad student Patrick Dwyer. Noise, room accommodations, issues with roommates, and more.

For many autistic and neurotypical students, college presents a depth of challenges, course material, and independence that they likely haven’t had much experience with before. UDL can support instruction and student growth.

Additional scholarships include the Anne Ford and Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarships (two scholarships) and the Lisa Higgins Hussman Scholarship, 15 of which were awarded last year.

Don’t be discouraged if a first or second attempt at reaching out fails—just look for the next opportunity.

Talk with your professors about your potential needs, whether that means a quiet testing environment, extended time on projects, or organizational assistance.

Always be respectful and professional when corresponding with a professor or course instructor. Using “Dear” to begin emails, using the professor’s last name (i.e. Professor Brown), and signing off with a “Thank you,” or “Sincerely” goes a long way!

What academic, professional, and social skills are you hoping to develop? Is a four-year college, a two-year program, or technical certificate the right fit? Having clear and realistic goals will prepare you for the next steps.

Anxiety can be especially overwhelming and negatively impact the school experience. Luckily, there are many strategies you can use to reduce your anxiety and make you feel more confident and positive. Remember: you are not alone!

Meeting with the Disabilities Services Office during your first week of college classes is just one important step for autistic students.

Be prepared to step back. This might be easier said than done, but treating your autistic student like an adult is key to their academic growth.

Accommodations. Supports. Privacy Laws. These and other considerations can help autistic students decide whether to disclose their diagnosis in college.

Unsure what providing accommodations to autistic students means in practical terms? Accommodations can be easy to implement and bring positive results.