Useful Autism Resources
If you’ve recently been diagnosed or just want to find out more about Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) you might find the links and resources below useful
More information about autism
- The positives of autism pdf is an infographic showing the positive features of autism.
- National Autistic Society’s YouTube channel.
- @autism_sketches is an Instagram feed with cartoons and posters by an autistic artist
- Why everything you know about autism is wrong is a TED Talk by Jac den Houting.
- Aucademy is a website that aims to educate people about autism.
- Autism from the Inside is a space for the autism community to connect, learn and grow; it also has a YouTube channel.
- Autistic, not weird contains articles and advice on autism.
- Thinking person’s guide to autism is evidence-based information curated by autistic people.
Useful apps and online tools for autism
The apps below are available on iOS and Android and are either free or freemium products.
- Trello is a task management tool that allows you to track, manage and complete tasks using flexible boards
- Time Timer is a visual countdown timer that uses different coloured timers with alarms to help you stay on track.
- coach.me is a habit-tracking app with targets and reminders to help you turn behaviours into habits. You can tap into community support and there’s also a web version.
- habitica is a goal-setting app designed for those who enjoy RPGs (Role Playing Games). You can take on challenges, gain points and level up.
- Be Okay helps you use your breathing to feel calmer, it aims to help people cope with anxiety and panic attacks.
- Smiling Mind helps you learn skills that promote mental wellbeing like mindfulness and meditation.
- Just Read is a browser extension that can declutter web pages by deleting unwanted sections and customising font size and background colour for easier reading.
- myNoise is a website with customisable soundscapes for productivity, concentration and relaxation.
Study strategies for autism
Here are some ideas that may help you support your studies.
- Create a structured routine that includes study time, breaks and essential tasks. Build in some gaps for times when you are tired or can't focus.
- Use calendars, whiteboards and planners to keep you on track.
- Break complex tasks into smaller sub-tasks with deadlines.
- Try the Pomodoro technique of working in short bursts to maximise concentration.
- Use Assistive Technology like Microsoft’s Accessibility tools to enhance your productivity.
- Optimise your study space so it works for you. This could mean rearranging your desk, adjustable lighting, using a weighted blanket, aromatherapy or white noise.
- Wear noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses or hats to reduce auditory and visual stimulation. For example, you may find Loop earplugs helpful.
- Carry a kit of comfort items that you find calming like fidget/stim toys.
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- On Penryn Campus there is a retreat room in the library that aims to be a quiet and calming space for you to relax and recharge. It has dimmable lights, a sensory bubble tube, floor seating and balance balls. Ask at the Compass Student Helpdesk for directions.
- Communicate your needs and preferences to others and practise self-advocacy.
- Discuss rules and expectations with your flatmates early on. (See getting on with your flatmates below)
- Seek support when you need it: from the Accessibility team,Wellbeing Services, your course team or trusted friends.
- Join study groups or societies with like-minded peers.
- Take time out to recharge when you need it.
Strategies for life at university
Sharing with others can be fun but also challenging. You will all have different preferences and expectations. One approach is to think: CARMEN
- Communicate with each other
- Agree on rules and expectations
- Respect other ways of being and doing
- Made a mess? Tidy it up
- Empathise with others’ feelings and needs
- Noise. Keep it down
Our Wellbeing team have produced a video with tips on how to get along with your flatmates. From thinking about how you want to communicate with each other to dietary requirements, boundaries and the all-important cleaning and tidying. Watch it here.
The team have also created a checklist of questions you could consider discussing with flatmates to get you started
- How do we want to communicate (in person, messages, notes etc.)?
- How will we resolve any issues which come up?
- Do any of us have sensory preferences (related to noise, lighting, smells etc.)?
- Do any of us have routines or rituals that we need others to respect?
- Do any of us have anxiety triggers that we want others to be aware of?
- Do any of us have dietary requirements?
- What boundaries do we have regarding personal space, belongings and privacy?
- How do we like to be referred to (pronouns and names)?
- How will we manage cleaning and tidying the shared areas?
- Do we want to have ‘quiet hours’?
- What are our expectations around having visitors in the flat?
- Is there anything else we would like to share with each other?
- Set realistic goals and reward yourself when you achieve them.
- Practise relaxation, mindfulness and grounding exercises. Take a look at our Wellbeing Resources for ideas
- Limit your exposure to stressful news.
- Avoid caffeine and other stimulants.
- Don't avoid stressful situations altogether: nudge yourself out of your comfort zone.
- Find quiet, comfortable spaces on campus where you can go if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
- Eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water.
- Try to develop a healthy sleep routine. The NHS have some tips here.
- Do hobbies and creative or physical activities which suit your particular interests.
- Take a look at the My Wellbeing Toolkit to help you develop and support your wellbeing whilst at Uni.
