The transition from high school to college can be hard for anyone, and students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have additional needs that can impact their college experience. UVU has programs and services to help.
The transition from high school to college can be hard for anyone, and students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have additional needs that can impact their college experience. There can be unexpected challenges and new processes to learn in an unfamiliar environment — and all that learning happens before class begins. UVU has programs and services to help.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all students have a right to full access to an education, resources, and experiences on campus. Accessibility Services at UVU provides students with accommodations and resources so all Wolverines can have a successful, fulfilling college experience.
Because autism exists on a spectrum, every autistic student will have different challenges and needs. ASD can impact someone's communication skills, processing speed, and sensory sensitivities, just to name a few. Individuals with autism can also have co-occurring conditions that create additional support needs, such as anxiety, ADHD, dyslexia, or other chronic medical conditions.
Every autistic student has individual needs across the spectrum of potential challenges and their own unique problems to solve. As you explore accommodations through Accessibility Services, consider what your specific needs are so you can advocate for yourself and what you need to succeed at UVU.
When students face obstacles that make it difficult to access education or experience campus life due to a health condition or disability, accommodations can make college possible. Accommodations are changes to the classroom or campus environment that reduce stressors, remove barriers, and solve problems.
Many people think that accommodations only help students with academic needs, like more time to complete assignments or a quiet room for testing. Accessibility Services does help with academic accommodations, but you can be a straight-A student and still need help navigating college. You might struggle with group work and class discussions, or bright lights might make it hard to focus. Accommodations can help reduce social and environmental challenges, too.
These are just a few examples of potential accommodations that can help students with autism:
Talking to a stranger about your support needs can be scary if you don't know what to expect. Accessibility Services has a complete accommodations guide that covers everything you need to know about applying, documentation guidelines, and meeting with an accessibility advisor.
When you fill out the online application, you will be asked to include documentation about your experience with autism. This might include your diagnosis, the support needs and challenges you have, and the accommodations you've received in the past. If you had an individualized education program (IEP) or a 504 plan in high school, those documents can help your accessibility advisor understand your unique experience and challenges.
The entire application process can be completed online, but you will need to have a conversation with an accessibility advisor virtually or in person. During your first meeting, you and the advisor will review your documentation, discuss how your autism affects you, and decide together on the accommodations and supports that will help you most. If it would be helpful, prepare for your meeting by writing a list of questions you have for the advisor and brainstorming what you think would be a reasonable accommodation.
Learn more about the accommodations process on the Accessibility Services website.
Accessibility Services has more resources and programs to help students with autism throughout the semester, not just with applying for and renewing accommodations. There's equipment checkout for noise-canceling headphones and stim toys, support with note-taking software and assistive technology, and even a weekly body doubling session in a quiet study space.
If you need help developing study skills or solving a problem with an instructor, there are learning and accommodation specialists who offer personal support to help you with learning strategies and skills. You can also learn from other students who understand your perspective through the Peer Mentoring program.
Beyond Accessibility Services, there are programs across campus dedicated to supporting autistic and neurodivergent students. These departments work together to help all UVU students succeed, no matter what your individual needs may look like.
