Don’t be discouraged if a first or second attempt at reaching out fails—just look for the next opportunity.
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.
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.
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.
Student Reflection: Transitioning from High School to College as an Autistic STEM Student
Video Interview. Founding the Coalition for Autism Support at Tufts (CAST) created a sense of community that…I thought I would never have.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
