Video is here: Elisabeth – Autism and Uni | QMU

Section1: Introduction & Transition to University

Hi, I’m Lis and my pronouns are she/her. I am a lecturer in Therapeutic Radiography here at QMU and I am also an autistic adult.  One of the other videos has talked about the challenges of transitioning to university and one of the areas that can be most challenging is getting used to learning at university. While we have a lot of services available, like the ELS and our student support team and ILPs, there is a lot you can do to make this transition easier.

You will most likely be used to more directed learning with guidance from teachers and a clear timeline of activities and work. At university, you need to take a more independent approach, and this can be difficult to get used to.  Planning can make this easier. Take the time to look at your workload and learning at the start of the term. I like to map out key tasks in a list with targets for completion, but it’s important to find a way that works for you. Get creative—post-it notes, whiteboards, diaries, and mind maps are just some ways of doing this. You may need to experiment a bit to find the best way for you.

Be kind to yourself. There will be days when it is harder to study, and that is OK. It’s important to allow yourself some flexibility in your planning so that you can take breaks when you need to, and if some days don’t go to plan, you don’t have to panic. If your brain says no, do something different that lets your mind do something else. I usually go for a walk, and inevitably, my brain starts to process things when I’m about 20 minutes from home, and I then have to remember all the information it produces.

Try not to get distracted by what others are doing, especially if they seem to be finding it easier than you. I know it’s a bit cliched, but we all learn differently—there is no right or wrong way, so no one is “better” than you.

Section 2: Getting around & Asking for Help

Don’t be scared to ask for help from your lecturers. We would always rather clarify a task or question than see you struggle. While we always try and explain things clearly and in a way that is accessible, it can be difficult to get it right every time, and it’s important that we understand how you learn.

Classes themselves can also be a challenge. In many cases, you may be in a class with more people than you were at school, longer sessions, and lots of moving from room to room. This can be uncomfortable socially and on a sensory level. Your timetable will have room numbers on it, and these won’t change (barring emergencies).

When you start, take some time to explore the building when it’s quiet, so you know where all the rooms are and can identify areas that may make you more uncomfortable and areas that feel like a safe place. When I started QMU as a student many years ago, I always turned up early to find my classrooms and just settle into the building. When I returned as a staff member, to a different building, I did the same thing so that I didn’t have to worry about getting lost and being late for class.

If you have class at 9, most people arrive about 8.40 as that is when the bus and train arrive, so it can be busy very quickly, which can be a bit overwhelming. It may help to arrive earlier so you can let your senses gradually get used to the change in environment, reducing the shock of the noise and helping conserve energy.

I also had favourite places I could go when I needed time alone, and it’s worth finding some of these as you explore.   It can also help to find the toilets—some are busier than others, and there are a few hidden ones that tend to be quieter. There are also All-Gender and Gender-Specific toilets, so finding your preference early can save some anxiety.

It can also help to record your feelings and thoughts as you explore, or maybe a description of the areas and locations. You can also take photographs if that helps. You can use this information to plan and prepare for your trips to campus.

Section 3: Being in class

When you’re in class, you may find the environment difficult. If you need the lights dimmed in the room, please ask your lecturer. If you find there is a particular place you like to sit to be comfortable, just let your classmates know. If background noise is an issue, something like loops can help filter this, and they’re fine to wear in class. If you need to move around and stim in class, this is fine. Just warn the lecturer and sit somewhere that lets you move freely so you don’t have to worry about how you impact others. Invest in some silent fidget toys. This could be as simple as doodling on paper, but blue-tac, pipe cleaners, monkey noodles, and spinners can be useful.

When you are engaging in class, do so in a way that works for you. I can’t listen and take notes at the same time, so I never took notes in class, though at first I tried to because I thought that was the only way to learn. Once I stopped trying to do what I thought I had to and did what worked for me, learning became a lot easier. Recording lectures can be part of your ILP, and you can get some great software to do this and link your recording to the presentations and your notes, so make sure you get your ILP set up.

Another aspect of university learning that can be difficult to navigate is group work and class dynamics during workshops and group activities. You are likely to be asked to prepare group work or do some group activities in class. We know this can be difficult, but it is sometimes the most effective way to learn things. If you have a chance to prepare before class, communicate with your group about the things that make you comfortable and the things you find more challenging. In the classroom, you can ask to work with people you are comfortable with. Sometimes you may just listen and observe, which is OK. You don’t have to interact unless you are comfortable. Again, talk to your group, let them know where you are and what you need to do to feel comfortable. This could be as simple as saying, “I’m just going to observe at the moment till I get the feel for things.”

Being open about what you need can be difficult, but it’s important for you to be able to have some control over your learning environment, and the best way to do this is to talk to us. Your lecturers, your PAT, and student support services can all help you, but you need to be open about things. Ask for help if you need it. We may not get it right all the time, but we won’t know we haven’t unless you tell us.