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Autism &
College
Autism & College can definitely go together!
Many neurodiverse students, as well as those with learning differences or learning disabilities, are very successful in college – it just means that some extra attention may be needed in a few critical areas.
College brings the opportunity to make new friends, explore interesting subjects, and learn how to live independently as a young adult. It also provides some challenges, as students need to learn how to navigate a new set of hidden rules and social expectations. Learn more about how Mansfield Hall supports college students with Autism and other learning differences.
The College Experience for Students with Autism
At first glance, colleges can look like impersonal bureaucracies, with lots of rules and regulations. While clear expectations may be appealing for some students, it is also important to remember that not every rule is permanent. Just because a professor’s syllabus provides a due date, and also states that no late work will be graded, does not mean that that same professor will not gladly offer an extension on a paper if a student asks with enough lead time. This is confusing, because one rule is clearly stated, and yet that same rule can be easily changed just by asking.
How are college students with Autism supposed to be able to tell the difference between rules and regulations that are flexible and those that cannot be changed? How can students leverage their strengths while also continuing to build critical executive functioning and time management skills? Where can students go to receive the support needed for success on a college campus? These questions can only be answered by asking for help. For students who are motivated to “do it on my own” and who “do not want to use my needs as a crutch” it may be counterintuitive to ask for accommodations or exceptions to clearly stated rules – but the reality is that most students are asking for exceptions, extensions, and dispensations because they know how to navigate the world of hidden rules. In fact, it is only students who don’t that find themselves at a disadvantage.
College can be a place where students with Autism can thrive – but it also requires students to be more proactive in acknowledging their areas of growth and asking for support and services. To learn more about Mansfield Hall’s support and services please contact us today.
Shanah Tovah! (שנה טובה)
Happy Rosh Hashanah to all who celebrate!
For anyone wondering, today is the start of the Jewish New Year.
It`a Friday- time for a weekly recap.
Our Burlington and Madison students are in the swing of things with classes, but that`s not stopping them from making time for fun!
Pictured:
- Coffee club
- Carfternoon adventure
- Sweet treat o`clock
- BTV Bike shed being enjoyed
Not Pictured:
- Countless other moments of fun
Students, what are you looking forward to this weekend? Comment below ⬇️
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art was a joy!
Saw some incredible pieces and pondered accordingly 🤔🎨
Ever have a hard time getting started on a project? This could be for a host of reasons, but the name for starting that to do list item is called task initiation.
Some folks just have a hard time getting started. We`ve included some tips to help, but we`d love to hear from you too.
What`s your most unhinged tip to get started on tasks you`ve been avoiding?
We don`t know about you, but our students and staff alike are soaking up the last of summer, grilling, chilling, and getting outside.
This week included our Madison students getting their hands dirty in the kitchen, Eugene taking a trip to the raptor center and a jaunt to the farmers market, and the Burlington students relishing the field day memories with classes in full swing.
What was your favorite part of the week?
The Q&A continues!
Masking is a hotly debated topic at the moment. Some professionals have differing opinions, but our stance is that while a more inclusive world is something we can all be working towards, there`s a time and a place for the ways we show up, and knowing how to differentiate has value.
What do you think?
