Additional Resources

📃 Section Overview

In this section, you will find lots of different places you can go for more information to help you along your university journey as an autistic person.

Research tells us that your time at university is not just going to involve academic learning, but developing a better understanding of your autistic identity. Below are some books, podcasts, websites, and other resources you might find interesting or a source of support during your time at university.

These resources are all grounded in the neurodiversity paradigm and focus on autistic strengths rather than deficits. They'll help you understand your rights, develop self-advocacy skills, and connect with community - all essential for thriving at university as your authentic autistic self.

Links are provided to help you locate these resources, but make sure you shop around for the best price if you are going to buy something – we might not have found the best deal for you!

Learning about autism and neurodiversity

• Book - Growing into Autism by Sandra Thom-Jones : An Australian autistic academic's perspective on late diagnosis and embracing autistic identity in higher education contexts. Particularly valuable for understanding how autism can be a strength in academic settings.
• Book - The Year I Met My Brain by Matilda Bosely : A young Australian journalist's honest account of navigating ADHD whilst building a career. Great for understanding the intersection of neurodivergence and professional development.
• Book - Unmasking Autism by Devon Price : Explores the hidden costs of masking autistic traits and provides practical strategies for authentic self-advocacy. Essential reading for understanding how to thrive as your authentic self at university.
• Book - Autistics at Work by Sandra Thom-Jones : An Australian autistic academic's perspective on navigating the workplace as an autistic person. It includes ideas about making your workplace accessible for you. A great read for autistic people, and those who work with autistic people.
• Book - We’re All Neurodiverse by Sonny Jane Wise : An introduction into the neurodiversity paradigm, helping us understand neurodivergent experiences such as autism in a new way.
• Book - Untypical by Peter Wharmby : A relatable exploration of autistic experiences in education and employment, with practical insights about self-advocacy and understanding your own needs in academic environments.
• Book - Different, Not Less by Chloe Hayden : A memoir by young Australian actress, activist, and content creator Chloe Hayden about growing up autistic and ADHD. Combines personal storytelling with practical advice about self-advocacy, mental health, and pursuing your dreams whilst navigating a neurotypical world - particularly grounding for young autistic people entering university!
• Podcast - The Autistic Culture Podcast Network A series of shows exploring autistic community, identity, and culture from an insider perspective. Helps build understanding of autistic strengths and community connection, which can help you develop your autistic identity at university.
• Podcast - The Neurodivergent Woman Podcast : Focuses specifically on women's and non-binary people's experiences of autism and ADHD.
• Academic Article - The neurodiversity concept was developed collectively: An overdue correction on the origins of neurodiversity theory : an academic perspective on the development of the concept of neurodiversity.

Building skills and looking after your wellbeing

• Book - Self Care for Autistic People by Megan Anna Neff : Evidence-based strategies specifically designed for autistic nervous systems, covering everything from sensory regulation to social energy management - crucial skills for university success.
• Workbook - The Neurodivergent Friendly Workbook of DBT Skills by Sonny Jane Wise : A short and inclusive workbook to help you build skills and confidence with everyday wellbeing, mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and sensory needs. Can be purchased as a digital or printed copy.
• Workbook - The Neurodivergence Skills Workbook for Autism and ADHD by Jennifer Kemp and Monique Mitchelson : A longer and more detailed workbook for developing skills and confidence in self-compassion and self-advocacy.
• YouTube Channel - How to ADHD : While ADHD-focused, highly relevant since most autistic people also have ADHD traits. Excellent practical strategies for executive function, time management, and study skills that work with neurodivergent brains.

Learning about higher education and your rights

• Fact Sheets - Disability Standards for Education (DSE) Resources by Children and Young People with Disability and the Department of Education : Essential for understanding your legal rights to reasonable adjustments in education. Empowers you with knowledge about what universities are required to provide and how to advocate for appropriate supports.
• Website - The Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training (ADCET) : Your go-to resource for understanding your rights and available supports in Australian higher education. Provides evidence-based guidance on reasonable adjustments and inclusive practices.
• Podcast - The ADCET Podcast Collection : A series of shows featuring Australian disability practitioners and students discussing inclusive education practices. Provides insights into how universities can and should support autistic students.
• Podcast - The Higher Hopes Podcast : Discussions of higher education cultures and systems, and how we can make them better. Features host and guests with lived experiences, including disability and neurodivergence.
• Podcast - On the Reg : A productivity and work-life podcast by The Thesis Whisperer's Inger Mewburn and Jason Downs, offering practical, implementable productivity strategies for academics and students. Excellent for learning time management and work strategies that can help with the demands of university study.