24 articles
We often hear from people looking for participatory STEM opportunities for autistic students. In our quest to learn more about possible opportunities around STEM camps, teams, and related groups, we connected with…
Dr. Lisette Torres on creating a STEM familia or family. Why a sense of connection can be important for STEM populations underrepresented in college.
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.
I think I see reality quite lyrically so it was the way that I see reality that helped me with the gorillas at first. I think that lyricism is present in most people on the spectrum. That's why when they interface with a world that's very hard and materialistic, they need rules that are unshakable and unchangeable, because their birth orientation is to be a part of everything
Hear from an autistic STEM employee about the college transition and how he's succeeding in the workforce.
This is the final part of a three-part series about being an autistic graduate student. In [part…
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.
Your academic journey may take some time, maybe even lots more time. Do your best and enjoy the ride, and don’t judge your self-worth by the length of time it takes to complete a degree, the grades you earn, or the salary you make.
Downloadable class schedule organizer. Template for keeping track of your classes that can be incorporated into larger organizational strategies.
"This is the most fundamental lesson in founding an autistic student club: you are not alone": college support group founder Justin Robbins.
Don’t be discouraged if a first or second attempt at reaching out fails—just look for the next opportunity.
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.
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."
Audio interview. Dr. Schalomon: "If you don't quite know what the student needs, go to the student and ask."
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.
Video interview. Having your syllabus state that you support students with disabilities is one simple action discussed that helps create an inclusive academic environment.
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!
Align your strengths with your interests. Find a supportive mentor. Be willing to accept some trial-and-error. Autistic students can succeed in STEM.
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.
Special interests are your Marauder’s Map, your hyperdrive, and your superpower. Let’s dive into how they work.
Laura Gilmour shares her journey from new student learning about college expectations to confident graduate student conducting her own STEM research.
Dr. Julia Leverone demystifies the process of talking to college professors for autistic students and explains why it can be helpful to approach them.
Consider the syllabus a mini-rule book. These documents can be upwards of seven or eight pages (yikes!), but Katie Matthews helps students sort it all out.
Boosting productivity is just one of the benefits to having more people who have an autism diagnosis represented in the work force. Read on to learn more.
