Information about the Autism Transition Guide
Who this guide is for
This guide is written for autistic students who are:
- Starting university for the first time
- Already at university and looking for additional support and strategies
- Considering returning to study after a break
- Thinking about university but unsure if it's right for them
You might have been diagnosed as autistic recently or years ago, or you might identify as autistic without a formal diagnosis. You might be 18 or 48 or 98, or somewhere in between. You might be studying full-time, part-time, online, or on campus. Whatever your situation, this guide is designed to support you.
A note on language
In this guide, we use identity-first language and say "autistic students" rather than "students with autism." This reflects how many autistic people prefer to be described and recognises autism as an important part of identity, not something separate from who you are. We also acknowledge that everyone has different preferences for how they are described and encourage you to use the language that you prefer when describing yourself and your experiences.
This guide is grounded in the neurodiversity paradigm (you’ll read about this soon!). We focus on your strengths while honestly acknowledging challenges you might experience. Being autistic brings both advantages and areas where you might need different approaches or support. Both are part of your complete picture.
Downloadable resources
You can also download the entire guide or the individual interactive resources in Word (.doc) or PDF (.pdf) formats. The Word (.doc) version is optimised for screen reader accessibility. We recommend using the PDF version if you’d like to print this guide.
- Transitioning to University: Autistic Students Guide (doc)
- Transitioning to University: Autistic Students Guide (pdf)
- Resource 1 – Your Strengths and Interests (doc)
- Resource 1 – Your Strengths and Interests (pdf)
- Resource 2 – Adjustments Workbook (doc)
- Resource 2 – Adjustments Workbook (pdf)
- Resource 3 – University Terminology Glossary (doc)
- Resource 3 – University Terminology Glossary (pdf)
- Resource 4 – Starting University Checklist (doc)
- Resource 4 – Starting University Checklist (pdf)
- Resource 5 – Quick Energy and Capacity Check-in (doc)
- Resource 5 – Quick Energy and Capacity Check-in (pdf)
You will come across a few unique content types in this guide.
🔎 Case Studies and Research Tips
You can find case studies and research tips inside expandable boxes or ‘accordions’. They include bonus information that you might find interesting, or you might choose to ignore them.
💡 Reflection Questions and Suggestions
You can find reflection questions and suggestions inside expandable boxes or ‘accordions’. You can think about these, write down your thoughts, talk to a friend or family member about them, or ignore them.
📝 Activities and Resources
You can find activities and resources inside expandable boxes or ‘accordions’. You can think about these, complete the activity in full, write down your thoughts in note form, talk to a friend or family member about them, or ignore them.