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
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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
Educators
STS @ SXSW EDU! Improving College Outcomes: Autistic STEM Students
STS is excited to present a 30-minute talk, "Improving College Outcomes: Autistic STEM Students," at this…
2 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
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
Educators
On Creating a STEM Familia: Dr. Lisette Torres
Dr. Lisette Torres on creating a STEM familia or family. Why a sense of connection can be important for STEM populations underrepresented in college.
5 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
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
Educators
Exploring Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment: An Interview with College Student Jake Keene
Hear about one student's experience in an inclusive concurrent enrollment program, and what he's up to in college now.
9 min read
Families
Spectrum Q & A With College Transition Consultant Susan Woods: Declaring a Disability
Brief video. Declaring a disability in college? College transition expert Susan Woods introduces families to the basics in order to access accommodations.
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
Students
Tips for Autistic Students: Attending Academic and Scholarly Conferences
Worried about someone saying something rude or inappropriate about your research? STEM grad student Laura Gilmour shares key presentation and conference pointers.
1 min read
Students
A Guide for Autistic Students to Using Video Rehearsal for Presentations and Interviews
Check for filler words. Are you overly using “like” or “um?” While these are somewhat normalized in daily speaking and often increase during nervous moments, making note of your habits can help you be aware of what you might say and help decrease use of them.
7 min read
Students
Autistic Professional Spotlight: Anthropologist, Primatologist, and Ethologist Dawn Prince-Hughes
Prince-Hughes completed regular coursework and assisted around the zoo. She was given the responsibility of monitoring a gorilla with a serious illness. Her work on that task was pivotal: the director of the zoo was so impressed that he sponsored a series of gorilla behavior research projects.
4 min read
Families
Community College Focus: Chuck Sekafetz, Electronics Department Chair at Chemeketa Community College
Autistic students do come through the CWE program in our department...We find that the student who has gone through CWE with an employer has an easier time transitioning to full time employment due to the created familiarity with the employer and/or coworkers.
7 min read
Educators
Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Supporting All STEM Learners
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.
6 min read
Educators
Rules About Technology in the Classroom: A Barrier for Students With Disabilities?
If we ban technology, we are hurting some of the most vulnerable students and infringing on their rights to access accommodations.
7 min read
Educators
Guest Post Three: Autistic Science Person Ira Kraemer on Self-care, Disclosure, and Positive Outcomes in College
This is the final part of a three-part series about being an autistic graduate student. In [part…
7 min read
Educators
Guest Post Two: Autistic Science Person Ira Kraemer on Challenges to STEM Education for Students Lacking a Diagnosis
I can't overstate this enough: the most important part of graduate school is finding nice people, having a kind, supportive mentor, and having peers who support each other.
5 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
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
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
Families
Problem-Focused Coping: Autism and Preparing for Graduate School in Research Fields
I am putting this next sentence in bold because it is very important: The only way to get good information about the unwritten expectations of preparing for graduate school is to talk to the experts – to your professors and your TAs.
14 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
Educators
Universal Design Strategies: Autism & Student Difference
Simple steps for incorporating UDL principles into your pedagogy. Lecture, resource, syllabus, and assessment strategies.
1 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
Educators
Socializing in STEM Classes and Careers, Part Two: Practical Tips for Autistic Students
Don’t be discouraged if a first or second attempt at reaching out fails—just look for the next opportunity.
5 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
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
Community
STEM, Autism, and Building Professional Relationships: Interview with a Mentor, Part One
Audio interview. Dr. Schalomon: "If you don't quite know what the student needs, go to the student and ask."
2 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
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
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
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
Educators
Autism, STEM, and UDL: What is Universal Design for Learning?
UDL is a framework for designing based on three broad principles tied to how our brain functions in terms of networks.
2 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
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
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
Five Tips for Autistic Students: How and When to Meet With a Professor
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!
6 min read
Families
An Autistic Student's Positive College Transition in STEM
Align your strengths with your interests. Find a supportive mentor. Be willing to accept some trial-and-error. Autistic students can succeed in STEM.
1 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
Families
Autistic Self-Advocacy and STEM: A College Journey
Laura Gilmour shares her journey from new student learning about college expectations to confident graduate student conducting her own STEM research.
1 min read
Educators
Autistic Students Can Ask College Professors For These Supports
Answer questions about the syllabus. Use unambiguous language. Julia Leverone shares simple supports that autistic students can ask their professors for.
2 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
Autistic People Don't Need to Be Cured
Autism advocate Justin Robbins makes an impassioned case for a positive view of autistic experience and points out how autistic strengths can fit with STEM fields
6 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
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
Families
Autism Inclusive-Hiring Spotlight: Microsoft
You know who is hiring autistic individuals? Microsoft, for one! Learn about their innovative process and how their recruiting people on the spectrum.
8 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
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
Educators
Changing Perspectives About Students Who Have Autism
Advocates for autistic college students, including Editorial Board Members Sara Sanders Gardner and Theresa Revans-McMenimon, share tips for professors.
5 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
Families
Strategies for Autistic Students in Overcoming Anxiety
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!
5 min read
Families
Six Things Autistic Students Should Do During the First Week of Classes
Meeting with the Disabilities Services Office during your first week of college classes is just one important step for autistic students.
5 min read
Families
Three Essential Ways to Support Your Autistic Student's Transition to College
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.
4 min read
Students
Five Reasons to Self-Disclose Your Autism When Going to College
Accommodations. Supports. Privacy Laws. These and other considerations can help autistic students decide whether to disclose their diagnosis in college.
5 min read