Educators
Autism in the Classroom: Making Education Accessible
Autistic STEM grad student Patrick Dwyer recommends families and autistic students take a self-guided campus tour. Video tour of UC Davis, packed with tips.
3 min read
All articles
93 articles
#academic-conferences#academic-life#academic-relationships#academic-skills#academic-success#acceptance#accepting-difference#access#accessibility#accommodations#accommodations-letters#action#ada#addiction
Educators
10 Tips: Improving College Outcomes for Autistic STEM Students
Looking for the top ten tips for improving college outcomes for autistic students? Here you go! Editorial Board Members Arianne Garcia, John Caldora, and Sara Sanders Gardner put together these tips for students…
3 min read
Students
Tips for Autistic Students: How to Read Academic STEM Articles
Patrick Dwyer explores the different times autistic students may be asked to read academic STEM articles. Depending on the goal, students can expect to dedicate different amounts of time and resources to the material.…
10 min read
Families
Interview with Autistic Self-Advocate Haley Moss
I reached out to Haley Moss a few months ago about conducting an interview around autistic self-advocacy, and I was so pleased when she agreed to…
12 min read
Students
Patrick Pontificates: On College, Autistic Students & Sleep
I’m afraid I don’t know the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything ([unless the answer is…
7 min read
Students
STEM Jobs That Don't Require Four-Year Degrees
Rewarding STEM Jobs are available to autistic students without a 4-year degree. STEM career paths take many forms. Learn how to best pursue your interests.
6 min read
Students
Autism and Addressing Workforce Bullying
Autism and addressing workforce bullying. How to know if you're experiencing bullying or miscommunication, and what to do about both.
5 min read
Families
Q & A With Autism College Transition Consultant: On Privacy Laws
Understanding privacy laws in relation to autism and college student rights can help students and families prepare for the college transition.
1 min read
Students
Autism & Setting SMART Goals at College
Autism and setting SMART goals. Learn this method of organizing and achieving meaningful goals. Terrific self-advocacy skills for college.
7 min read
Students
Disclosing Your Autism to College Friends
Disclosing your autism to college friends can be a way to grow friendships and develop even better connections to people who share your interests.
5 min read
Families
An Introduction for Autistic Students: the Social Dynamics of College and University Classrooms
Social dynamics of college classrooms for autistic students. STEM grad student Patrick Dwyer gives an overview of how college differs from high school.
9 min read
Students
Autism and Self-care for College Students
Self-care for autistic students is especially important during the college transition. Schedule self-care to feel good & improve performance in other areas.
8 min read
Families
Campus Tour for Autistic Students
Autistic STEM grad student Patrick Dwyer recommends families and autistic students take a self-guided campus tour. Video tour of UC Davis, packed with tips.
1 min read
Families
Transition Programs: an Overview for Autistic Students Going to College
Contributor Chelsea Harris explores college transition programs for autistic students as well as the transition process, including different support models.
5 min read
Students
If and When to Disclose Your Autism in College
Should you disclose your autism in college? STEM graduate Justin Robbins shares the pros and cons based on his college experience.
5 min read
Students
Autistic @ College: 6 Tips for Learning Environments
Contributor Katie Matthews guides autistic students through considerations that will help them clarify their preferences for college learning environments.
8 min read
Families
Disability Services Offices (DSO) & Autism in College
Video interview. Patrick Dwyer and UC Davis Disability Specialist Dr. Joseph Spector discuss the role of Disability Services Offices on campuses.
1 min read
Families
Autism and STEM: Career Considerations for Students
Sometimes we hear a lot about autism and STEM, and it can feel unthoughtful. Here, contributor Katie Matthews helps students clarify whether a STEM field might be a match for them, and which particular fields could be a good fit.
6 min read
Educators
Autistic Science Person Ira Kraemer: Transitioning to Grad School & Adjusting to the New Environment
Transitioning to any sort of new school is like taking notes in class - messy. It also feels like everyone else is walking around with a navigation system while you're just fumbling about. Sometimes though, other people let you know that they don't have a GPS either!
5 min read
Families
Marshall University, College Program for Students Who Have Autism
Prospective students and families should visit the colleges and universities. Talk to the people who provide support, assess the culture and “feel” of the community, and find the best fit for the individual.
7 min read
Families
Scholarships, Grants & Loans for Students on the Spectrum
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.
5 min read
Educators
On Mentorship, Lab Environments, and Job Applicant Disclosure: An Interview with Chemistry Professor Jen Heemstra
On one hand, disclosing too early could create bias that eliminates you from the competition. On the other hand, disclosing provides context that can help you have a more successful interaction with a future employer.
6 min read
Families
"Get Ready, Do, Done" Model: Support Executive Functioning for Autistic Students
Speech and language pathologist Katie Matthews introduces students to “Get Ready, Do, Done” a useful model that supports executive functioning challenges. She then takes a deeper dive into the model, sharing how it can…
9 min read
Students
Download This: Class Organizer for Autistic Students
Downloadable class schedule organizer. Template for keeping track of your classes that can be incorporated into larger organizational strategies.
2 min read
Families
Spectrum Q & A With College Transition Consultant Susan Woods: Time Management
The importance of structuring student time and why considering a reduced course load can support positive transition outcomes.
1 min read
Families
Insight for Autistic Students and Their Families About Developing Self-Advocacy Skills: Two Studies on Emerging Adulthood
What can you do as a parent to act in “autonomy-supportive” ways? We’re glad you asked! You can support developmental processes in an independence-focused and communication-driven environment at home.
9 min read
Students
Patrick Pontificates: Feel Free Not to Do Foolish Things (Even if Other Students Behave Foolishly)
I’m back! ‘Tis I, your so-far-successful autistic STEM grad student, ready to reveal the mysteries of post-secondary life. (Or, at least, I’ll get to the mysteries as soon as I’m finished…
5 min read
Families
Spectrum Q & A With College Transition Consultant Susan Woods: Preparing for Independence
Video interview. How should families navigate the transition from HS to college with their autistic student? Steps to take now for increased self-advocacy and for encouraging internal motivation.
1 min read
Students
Tips for Autistic Students: How to Make the Most of a Tutoring Session
Different ways to access tutoring support. Tips about how to prepare for different kinds of tutoring sessions for autistic students.
5 min read
Students
How to Use Your Phone, Calendar & Daily Planner to Master Your College Schedule
Animated video. Listen and watch as our contributor shows you how to organize your college life. A must watch that will have you high-fiving your screen.
1 min read
Educators
College Autism & Student Variability: UDL Resources
Video interview. If you've already watched our brief videos on what UDL is, how to implement it, and tips for group work, this one can direct you to further resources.
1 min read
Educators
Creating a College Club by and for Autistic Students
"This is the most fundamental lesson in founding an autistic student club: you are not alone": college support group founder Justin Robbins.
6 min read
Educators
Assistive Tech to Support Autistic Students in the Classroom
Video. STEM grad student Patrick Dwyer sits down with UC Davis’s Accessible Tech Analyst Joshua Hori for an overview of Livescribe Smartpen, Sonocent Audio Notetaker, and ClaroPDF.
1 min read
Educators
UDL and Autism: Simple Ideas for Group Work
Stuck in a rut with group work? This brief video offers simple steps for using UDL principles to improve your group work outcomes.
1 min read
Students
Autism & Finding Places on Campus that Support Your Study Needs
The most effective coping mechanism I had was to sit somewhat off-center to avoid the loudest section of the lecture hall.
4 min read
Educators
The Autism Accommodations Process: Faculty Primer
The goal is not to provide a golden ticket to whatever a student wants. The goal is to provide them with an equitable classroom experience that gives them an equal opportunity to succeed.
7 min read
Students
Autistic Sensory Sensitivity on Campus, Part Six: Food in Dorms & Residence Halls
In this series, autistic STEM grad student Patrick Dwyer takes a deep dive into sensory sensitivity on campus. These blogs…
6 min read
Students
Autistic Sensory Sensitivity on Campus, Part Five: Food and Cooking
I think it’s interesting, and a bit startling, to realize just how much inter-individual variability there probably is in the human sense of taste.
12 min read
Families
Autistic and Transitioning to College? What Students and Families Need to Know
Video with subtitles. A brief but wide-ranging exploration of what a successful transition takes and how to achieve it.
1 min read
Educators
Bullying and Autism: How to Recognize Harmful Behavior and Create a Safer School Environment
When you see bullying, act. One of the most important things people can do is not to become a "passive bystander" when others are being bullied.
10 min read
Families
Socializing in STEM Classes and Careers, Part One: Insight for Autistic Students
Many STEM careers and college courses are thought to focus on “computer work” without much emphasis on the human interaction necessary for success. Oftentimes, however, collaboration with peers can be daunting but necessary to advance one’s studies and career.
7 min read
Educators
STEM, Autism, and Building Professional Relationships: Interview with a Mentor, Part Three
To me, "honors" is about the quality of your work, the quality of your thinking. It's not about whether you can do this full time.
1 min read
Families
What Autistic Students Can Learn Through Self-Guided Campus Tours
Video. The transition to university is major, major change, right? And, autistic people, we often thrive on predictability. It's really valuable to spend some time exploring the physical environment of a university campus before you start.
1 min read
Families
Tips for Autistic Students: Navigating College Breaks
One thing to keep in mind no matter where you end up—be it a friend’s house, your family home, or a relative’s place—is that if you begin to feel overwhelmed by the new environment or sudden transition, you should look for a quiet place to gather your thoughts. Don’t worry about exiting a stressful situation and seeking a solitary spot to calm yourself.
4 min read
Community
STEM, Autism, and Building Professional Relationships: Interview with a Mentor, Part Two
Audio interview. "It happens to people teaching in any kind of academic discipline, where students think [their instructors] can give them advice on things that they’re really not qualified to talk about. We’re discipline experts."
2 min read
Students
What Autistic Students Can Expect from College Science Classes
What you do during class is, in the long term, far more important than any exam or any homework you ever have. Most courses have a lecture component, but even in earlier courses professors will encourage discussion about key concepts.
6 min read
Educators
Parent Perspective: Autism and Auditing Community College Classes
Video interview. Brief discussion of one student's success auditing classes on a community college campus in preparation for the transition to higher ed.
1 min read
Students
Four Things Autistic Students Can Expect from Intro STEM Classes
In most cases, it’s not the facts that count; it’s what you do with them. Even in an introductory foundation course, raw knowledge only gets you so far.
4 min read
Educators
Notes from a 2019 Talk on Autism and Employment
Be aware of unconscious bias in interviews, plan for it, and be prepared to disarm it if necessary. For example: if you find eye contact challenging, acknowledge it and then communicate that you are glad to be there and are engaged in the discussion.
3 min read
Families
Important Safety Tools for Your Autistic High School or College Student
it’s important to have some emergency numbers available at all times. Preferably, these numbers should be programmed on the phone and also available on a wallet-sized card in case the phone is dead and the student needs to borrow someone else’s. Parents, therapists, and a friend or roommate in the college town are all important numbers to have available.
6 min read
Families
Parent Perspective: Autism and Community College Dual Enrollment
Video Interview. Attending dual enrollment classes allows students to get used to college work and what the demands are going to be. Plus, they accrue college credit in HS.
1 min read
Families
Students on the Spectrum and Choosing a College Therapist
Interview. Availability for college students is important as well. Do therapists have office hours that coincide with their class schedule? What is their availability in between appointments if a need arises?
8 min read
Families
Parent Perspective: Autism and Community Colleges
Video Interview. Students can find the community-based ethos of a community college conducive to taking smaller steps and breaking processes into manageable parts.
1 min read
Students
Patrick Pontificates: An Autistic STEM Grad Student Says, "Go to Office Hours!"
You know how Dumbledore in Harry Potter says, “Help is given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it?” I think that should be my new motto when writing about college, because help is given at college to those who ask for it.
6 min read
Families
Parent Perspective: Autism and the College Transition
Video interview. If transitioning to college becomes part of your everyday conversation, it becomes much easier for students to adapt.
1 min read
Educators
Autism & College: Autistic Culture, UDL, and Student Voices
When we talk about folding autistic and differently-abled students into community colleges and STEM careers, what we’re really talking about is best practices for everyone. It follows that when our most disadvantaged students’ needs are met, we are leveling the playing field for all, with or without a “documented need.” Thank you for believing in students like me.
2 min read
Families
Three Assistive Technologies Autistic College Students Should Know
In high school, many 504 plans are written to include use of assistive technologies in the public school setting. However, once at a higher education level, these supports still can be extremely helpful for a variety of reasons.
5 min read
Families
Let's Talk Autism, Special Interests & College Social Life
Not only were there more people who shared a special interest with me, but the ones who didn’t thought no less of me for having them. In fact, they thought it was interesting, because they had interests of their own, and we had a shared experience that way, autism or not.
4 min read
Educators
Autism, STEM, and Universal Design: Support Student Difference
Video interview. Having your syllabus state that you support students with disabilities is just one way to create inclusivity and demonstrate your support for all students.
1 min read
Students
Patrick Pontificates: An Autistic STEM Grad Student on not just Memorizing Facts, but Understanding the Material
We don’t learn well by cramming. We learn best through distributed practice sessions. We call this the “spacing effect” or the “distributed practice effect,” and there’s a ton of research to back it up.
4 min read
Students
Tips for Autistic Students: How to Prioritize Assignments
Video interview. Having your syllabus state that you support students with disabilities is one simple action discussed that helps create an inclusive academic environment.
1 min read
Students
Finding the Right Fit: Things for Autistic Students to Think About When Choosing College Classes
Talk with your professors about your potential needs, whether that means a quiet testing environment, extended time on projects, or organizational assistance.
4 min read
Students
Insider Guide: Navigating the College Admissions Process for Autistic Students (Without Sacrificing Your Mental Health)
Set aside time for your passions, for your special interests and the things that give you immense joy.
5 min read
Educators
A Guide for Autistic Students: World Mental Health Day 2018, Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World
Young people on the spectrum often feel increased judgement and pressure to fit in with their [neurotypical] peers...We need more awareness of the mental health issues many young people on the spectrum may face.
5 min read
Educators
Autistic Sensory Sensitivity on Campus, Part Four: Coping Strategies
Sometimes it’s not possible to avoid a sensation. When you’re exposed to a distressing stimulus, try to breathe slowly and deeply.
8 min read
Families
The Ultimate College Guide: Lists, Schedules, and Calendars for Autistic Students
Scheduling your time well is one of the simplest and most effective strategies to achieving success at college! But how can we schedule our time well? Read on to find out.
13 min read
Students
Autism and STEM: Am I Ready for the College Experience? What Are My Goals?
Autistic students must define obvious needs, such as academic and transportation accommodations, but it is also beneficial to measure more nuanced needs such as independence and social living.
9 min read
Students
Let's Talk Autism, Academic Special Interests, and STEM
Special interests are your Marauder’s Map, your hyperdrive, and your superpower. Let’s dive into how they work.
4 min read
Students
"Find a Pathway That Works for You": Jody Goldstein, Director of Disabilities Services, UMASS Lowell
When students receive peer support, they are much less likely to feel isolated and marginalized. Judy Goldstein discusses ways peer mentoring groups help autistic students thrive.
5 min read
Students
Autistic Sensory Sensitivity on Campus: Part Two, Real-World Examples
Only you can say whether you are upset by any of these common sensory challenges, and whether there are stimuli that distress you that I haven’t listed here. You can hardly develop coping strategies if you’re not sure what you’re coping with!
7 min read
Students
Patrick Pontificates: An Autistic STEM Grad Student on the Value of Jobs and Volunteer Experience and How to Prioritize the Work/School Balance
Our very wise (and funny) contributor Patrick Dwyer has pondered the value of jobs and volunteer experience for autistic students: prepare to be illuminated
4 min read
Students
Autistic Sensory Sensitivity on Campus: Part One, Introduction
I’ll do my best to introduce the problem and provide a sort of vocabulary and framework that we can use to help understand our own sensory experiences.
13 min read
Students
Tips for Autistic Students: How to Prepare for the First Day of College
When the first day comes, it can bring a variety of emotions and complications. The good news is, there are ways to soften the impact of this radically new experience.
7 min read
Students
Strategies for Autistic Students Around Exam and Paper Due Dates
Organizational whiz Katie Matthews shares techniques to help autistic students optimize their studying to earn good grades on exams and major papers
8 min read
Educators
Case Study: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Autistic Students
How professional development workshops helped me gain valuable insight and strategies for creative instruction through the application of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) techniques.
3 min read
Families
Evaluating a Disability Service Office: Autism & College
How can you get a clear sense of the quality of a Disabilities Office and the kinds of support their staff and programs provide? College transition expert Susan Woods shares some tips.
1 min read
Educators
Case Study: Classroom Strategies to Support Students on the Spectrum
College transition expert Susan Woods explains how professors can collaborate with autistic students and the Disabilities Office to support academic success
5 min read
Families
How Four Community Colleges Support Students on the Spectrum
At a community college near you: programs to support academic and social success for autistic students. Check out these four examples.
1 min read
Students
Autism and Understanding Unwritten College Expectations: Part Three, The Course Calendar
Contributor Katie Matthews breaks down the "hidden meaning" in common syllabus components for autistic students. Learn how to make the calendar work for you
7 min read
Students
Autism & Understanding Common Syllabus Phrases
Say what? Contributor Katie Matthews breaks down some common syllabus phrases for autistic students, helping to make course expectations clearer.
6 min read
Students
Advice from an Autistic Student: Living With People in College
Justin Robbins's blog about living with a roommate in college and being autistic has tons of great advice and perspective--bring on that roommate survey!
5 min read
Students
Autistic and Looking for Social Connections on Campus? Join a Club!
There’s something incredibly special about communities of autistic and neurodivergent people: we’re not all alike, but we all know what it’s like to be different, which makes us more accepting of people for who they are.
10 min read
Students
How to Organize Your Semester: for Autistic Students
Hate the word "organization"? This post might change your mind!
5 min read
Students
Autism, LGBTQA Dating, Community, and Student Groups: A Reflection
Shared interests (or special interests) don’t just give you something to talk about: they can reflect shared values and shared tastes that will build the foundation for a lasting, loving relationship where you never run out of things to talk about.
7 min read
Families
Autism & the College Transition: What is a Syllabus
The syllabus is "the ins and outs of the class." College transition expert Susan Woods explains why it's so important and why autistic students should approach their professors about it
1 min read
Students
Letter to a Younger Me: You're Passionate, More Passionate Than Most People Can Imagine
Hello! It’s good to finally talk with you. I’ve wanted to do this for years now. How are you doing? You don’t have to say “good” or anything else like that unless you mean it. It’s kind of odd how we (society) ask that question but there’s only one acceptable answer.
5 min read
Educators
Template for Approaching Your Teachers About Autism
Even if you know you want to disclose your autism to a professor and know what you want to say, this template can help ensure you communicate confidently
2 min read
Students
How to Tell if You Have Autism, OCD, or Both
Are you an autistic college student who feels worried or stressed, and want to know whether there's more going on? This post may provide some answers.
3 min read
Families
Autism and Community College: Why It's a Good Fit
Open admissions, articulation agreements with four-year colleges, flexible schedules, low cost, robust support services--autistic students can thrive at community colleges.
4 min read
Students
The Push for Neurodiversity: Six Reasons to be Hopeful About Job Prospects for Autistic Students
Tech leaders are paving the way for greater autism-inclusivity in the workforce, rethinking the interview, providing accommodations, and investing in people
5 min read
Families
Senior Year: Seven Steps Autistic Students Should Take to Prepare for College
Taking campus tours, exploring student activities, and accepting a little anxiety. Things autistic students can do to make college transition, well, if not "a breeze," a little less intimidating!
4 min read
Families
Junior Year: Five Things Students on the Spectrum Should Do to Prepare for College
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.
4 min read
Educators
Tips for Teachers Engaging with Students on the Spectrum
Unsure what providing accommodations to autistic students means in practical terms? Accommodations can be easy to implement and bring positive results.
5 min read