Autism
Having autism may mean you need some extra support with study. We can help you develop effective techniques to make sure you get the most out of your study.
You probably have a very individual mix of strengths that will be an advantage in your studies such as good visual skills, attention to detail, good long-term memory, an individual talent or skill or an exceptional ability to focus on a topic or interest.
However you probably also have an individual mix of difficulties that may disadvantage you, for example difficulties with social interaction, accommodating change or with abstract concepts.
Things to consider
It might be hard to predict how your studies may be impacted by your autism. Think about these points.
- How you'll manage interactions with your tutor.
- How you'll manage interaction with other students in face-to-face situations, as well as in online tutorials and on forums.
- How to make sure you have realistic study goals.
Getting the right resources for you
Have you told us your support needs? If not, you can see how to do this on Telling the OU about your disability. If you've already shared this information with us you'll be able to see it on your student profile. Make sure your student profile explains what you find difficult and the areas where you need support.
Have a preliminary discussion with your tutor and ask for things that will help you, such as being given:
- clear unambiguous instructions
- notification of any changes, for example to tutorials, so that you have time to adapt your strategies to the changed circumstances
- reasonable expectations about the support your tutor can give and what sort of support that might be
- advice on how to deal with assignments if your module asks you to study and discuss abstract concepts.
To find out more about the support we can offer take a look at Adjustments available by study elements. For alternative formats available for your module see Additional module material formats.
Working with others
If you have concerns about working in a group with other students, you could:
- explain to other students any difficulties you have with social interaction, or ask your tutor to explain for you
- Ask for extra phone, email or one-to-one support from your tutor if you find group tutorials particularly difficult.
Exam arrangements
Individual arrangements can be made for you where there’s evidence that you would otherwise be disadvantaged. Take a look at Exam arrangements for disabled students for more information.
Residential school
If your module has a compulsory residential school, we’ll work with you to make your stay beneficial and effective. Discuss disability support at residential school with an adviser as early in your module as possible to give us enough time to make arrangements.
If you can't go to residential school in person, there may be an online school which meets the same core learning requirements for your module.
