EDUCATION
4 . “ Option to use note taker services , but it is hard to find volunteers to do it .”
5 . “ In college I used accommodations including extra feedback from instructors , accessible formats in materials , breaks as needed to manage health and sensory needs and permission to use self management strategies such as stimming and sensory support tools .”
6 . “ I managed to get a study support assistant from the National Autistic Society .”
7 . “ I don ’ t receive any supports , though some of my teachers are lenient when I tell them about my condition .”
8 . “ I used to get process tutoring ( basically someone to check in on me and help me with executive functioning ) from my college but they laid her off so my mom pays her privately to visit with me now .”
9 . “ Permission to type my work instead of hand write it .”
10 . “ Nothing yet , but I have options if I ask for them .”
It is clear from the responses received that utilizing available supports and accommodations are important to the success of students . Different colleges provide different levels of support and accommodations . It is important to understand what each student needs for support and check with colleges being considered . There may also be local services available that are unrelated to the college , but can provide the additional support needed .
2 .
Where do you live and why ? Respondents seemed to be evenly distributed between dorms , apartments and at home with family .
1 . “ Home , it ’ s cheaper to live at and commute , and it also gives me the comfort of a stable environment .”
2 . “ Dorm , because I like being in a community .”
3 . “ A studio apartment because it is much cheaper that living in the dorms and because I can stay there for the remainder of my college education without having to move every year .”
4 . “ I tried staying in a dorm . It didn ’ t work well .
My next attempt at college is going to be from home because I have family here who can help me construct the structure that I need .”
5 . During undergrad , I lived on campus , within walking distance of everything I needed to be able to get to ( classes , gym , etc ). This was by far the best living arrangement I ’ ve ever had - having a meal plan and dining halls I could walk to easily alleviated the single biggest executive functioning problem I have .”
6 . “ I lived in a dorm on campus during undergrad and later on campus apartment during graduate school . Cost was the most important factor .”
7 . “ Home , aside from the practical reasons , I can be my real self and charge my ‘ social battery .’”
8 . “ Home . I couldn ’ t cope with planning life at the same time . Home is safe .
9 . “ I live in an apartment with a very close friend . I have my own room here .”
10 . “ I lived in a dorm my first year with my own private bedroom and a living space and bathroom shared with 3 other girls . That worked fine for me . Then , I lived in an apartment with a roommate because I wanted more private space . I recommend living at home . The change in environment each year was really stressful for me .”
When choosing the ‘ best ’ living arrangement it is important to think about things like executive functions skills , shared spaces and social engagement . It is also important to understand how much control the student will have over their environment . A dorm where they must share a single room with one or more people may be too difficult , but a dorm where they have a bedroom and some shared spaces may be fine . A single dorm room by themselves may lead to isolation . In college where they live is much more than just where they sleep .
Consider what kinds of living experiences they have had in the past . How do they do on vacation sharing a hotel room ? Have they ever traveled with peers or gone to summer camp ? Understanding what skills they have now and finding a living space that allows them to have a safe space will help them be successful in college .
42 | Autism Parenting Magazine | Issue 44