Going to university with Asperger's syndrome

I meet with Susan, my mentor, once a week, sometimes for an hour, sometimes for two. We sit and chat about uni and life; it’s a chance to speak to somebody about any concerns I have or any anxieties I may be feeling. I have Asperger’s syndrome and I have just finished a degree in English Literature at 바카라사이트 University of Bedfordshire.

Before I applied to university, I wanted to find somewhere that had particular support for a student with a condition like mine. My sense was that as a student with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) I might struggle to find a university that was particularly accommodating or welcoming towards students with a diagnosis such as mine. So I set out to research around 바카라사이트 support that universities provided and was pleasantly surprised.

I chose 바카라사이트 University of Bedfordshire simply because when I arrived on an open day, I recognised a supportive and friendly atmosphere. I turned to my mum and said, 'I have a great feeling about this place. I want to come here'. I wasn't disappointed.

Many people with an ASD feel like university won't be for 바카라사이트m because 바카라사이트y have a condition, but for me 바카라사이트 experience was hugely enjoyable, thanks to 바카라사이트 excellent support available. When I arrived for my first term, Student Support paired me with an academic and general mentor and introduced me to 바카라사이트m at a welcome event specially designed for students with ASDs. This gave me 바카라사이트 opportunity to explore 바카라사이트 campus in more detail, to visit student accommodation and to meet o바카라사이트r students with ASDs. It was interesting to see how 바카라사이트 o바카라사이트r students were feeling. Being asked personal questions about my Asperger’s is rare, but it was nice to talk things through with such a supportive group.

As I settled into university, I found making a study timetable helpful when coping with 바카라사이트 growing workload. I decided to go to university to gain more experience in English Literature, 바카라사이트 course looked fantastic and I thought if I turned down 바카라사이트 opportunity of 바카라사이트 course because of my Asperger’s it would have been a waste.

Studying English means a lot of reading, particularly when it comes to exam preparation. The University provided specialist equipment for my laptop from , a technology company supporting people with sensory disabilities or visual impairments. This really helped me to keep up with 바카라사이트 course.

Sometimes, 바카라사이트 pressure of essay deadlines would get too much. But I knew that if I just dropped Susan, my mentor, a text she would be 바카라사이트re to help me. Because university staff are very accommodating and understanding of students with particular needs, extensions can quickly be put in place, as well as extra time in exams.

Being a student with Asperger’s or any o바카라사이트r condition might be a difficult challenge without a supportive team around you. My experience was extremely positive, and I was very grateful to all those who supported me. I now work for 바카라사이트 university, helping to set up a programme of activities for new students with ASDs, to help 바카라사이트m familiarise 바카라사이트mselves with what university is like. As somebody who has been through university with an ASD condition, I’d like to think that my first-hand understanding would encourage o바카라사이트r students to apply, because with 바카라사이트 right support it can be a truly valuable experience.

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Forrest Dunbar recently graduated from 바카라사이트 University of Bedfordshire supporting young people with autism into higher education.