By Malynn Kuangparichat, Psy.D., J.D. and Dr. Jennie
Most likely you know that transitioning into college or a new workplace is already in itself a stressful situation. You’re learning how to live more independently and manage more responsibilities with course work or professional work. Then add on top of that, transitioning as a student or young professional on the autism spectrum can feel overwhelming.
Despite the challenges, we believe you can thrive academically and professionally with the right supportive policies and practices in place for your success.
So, we’re going to talk about understanding and advocating for college-aged students and young professionals on the autism spectrum in higher education and in the workplace so that you’re able to create more supportive environments to thrive academically and professionally.
There are three key considerations – including accessibility, support systems, and inclusivity – to make the environments at work or at school a more supportive and inclusive space for individuals who are on the autism spectrum.
Just as importantly, we believe higher ed students and young professionals on the autism spectrum deserve to thrive, especially by fostering inclusive settings that were made for neurotypical individuals. We want you to be able to implement these supportive policies and practices for your success. If you’re looking for additional professional support, don’t hesitate to reach out to mental health services on campus or your local mental health practices.
Here at Chester County Well-Being (CCWB), we strive to provide the highest quality of psychological and psycho-educational evaluations and screenings for autism, and include you in the process all the way to diagnosis.
Our excellence in testing allows us to gain insight into your present level of well-being and behaviors, and create a plan offering multiple, tailored recommendations intended to serve as a stepping stone towards your ultimate goals.
So, let’s dive into the three key considerations, accessibility, support systems, and inclusivity, when it comes to creating environments that provide more support and inclusivity for college students and young professionals on the autism spectrum.
Look For Accessibility in the Higher Ed and Work Setting
One of the top considerations is accessibility for you to thrive in your learning and work environment. As you may know, accessibility is essential to your success and for the success of your classmates or colleagues, and teachers or supervisors.
In the higher ed classrooms, they can include offering alternative formats whether its course materials and making sure the physical spaces are equipped for you such as sensory friendly spaces and implementing any other assistive technologies that might be crucial for you to learn.
On a larger level, we want high ed environments to create an accessible space where people with all different kinds of abilities can thrive.
But a lot of times some places might not always be able to offer everything that’s needed. And so when it comes to looking at things like higher education, one thing to consider could be school choice.
As you apply to colleges, you might have your heart set on a specific university or maybe one of your parents went there or maybe it’s a college you’ve been thinking about for a while.
But a bigger question to consider is how supportive would this university be of your needs?
Another factor to consider is the size of the school. Some Ivy League schools can have things where students may fall through the cracks due to limits on individual attention.
If you’re looking for colleges with more support, you can consider smaller colleges that offer more support at the individual level.
At the same time, some bigger colleges might have more resources in terms of what they can offer students with disabilities.
For instance, at University of Delaware, they have spectrum scholars where there’s peer support. At this university, they provide programs that are more supportive to people with autism who might need peer support and other programs to make college feel more accessible.
Essentially, you can find a college that practices inclusivity where you can work to your potential and successfully transition into whatever professional work you decide to follow.
Seeking Accommodations to Enhance Your Living and Working Experiences
On top of accessibility, as someone on the autism spectrum, you might also consider becoming more familiar with the American Disabilities Act to see what you are entitled to and what your environment is expected to offer you for what you need.
Besides ADA, seeking accommodations tailored to your needs can really enhance your school housing, student life, and working experiences.
You may be familiar with some of the accommodations such as extended time, preferential seating, access to quiet spaces, and flexible work arrangements. But we’re going to cover other accommodations, specifically housing for students on the autism spectrum.
With student housing, especially on the autism spectrum, but also just a lot of us in general find that we thrive more when we have our own space.
You might find that you can become overwhelmed if you’re in a shared living space, and you might really need your own kind of private space.
Living on campus is possible and beneficial to flexing independence as you transition from living at home to a college setting.
You can consider a single bedroom dorm, and make some interior design changes to create a sensory-friendly space. For example, you can change the dorm lighting since most use fluorescent lighting which can be overstimulating and difficult to manage. Instead of using the fluorescent lights, bring in your own floor and desk lamp that uses incandescent bulbs.
Ask if Inclusivity Training is Offered to the Faculty Staff or Workplace Teams
Another consideration in addition to accessibility and accommodations, is with the individuals that you’re surrounded by in your environment. Before deciding on a college or work setting, you can find out if education and training is provided for the faculty staff or supervision teams.
So, educating faculty staff or employers about autism spectrum disorder can again foster understanding and promote inclusivity within the college or work environment.
When asking about educational trainings, you can ask if training sessions cover topics such as recognizing the strengths and challenges of the individuals on the spectrum, and finding ways to communicate effectively with neurodivergent students.
With communication, it goes both ways in terms of the one doing the talking and the one who’s listening, so it’s important for both parties to foster healthy communication.
Consider Peer Support Programs in Higher Ed or Professional Workplace
With best practices in place to support the academic and professional success in general, an additional kind of consideration is a peer support program.
Though entering college and the workforce is seen as a step toward independence doesn’t mean you have to transition and journey all on your own. As is the case with neurodivergent or neurotypical people, everyone can use support from their community, especially in times of transition.
If you’d like to learn more about transitions, you can check out our blog article on 7 expert tips to manage stress and be kinder to yourself in a life transition.
For students and young working professionals on the autism spectrum, finding a peer support program can also provide valuable social and emotional support.
And these programs can involve a mentorship initiative or peer led support groups, or just social events that are designed to foster connections and a sense of belonging as well.
Join Our FREE Social Networking Opportunity
Whether it’s higher education or the workplace, creating environments that recognize and value the unique strengths and contributions that you have fosters inclusivity and helps you to not only thrive, but create more meaningful work and relationships in these settings.
One of the ways that Chester County Well-Being (CCWB) is providing a social networking opportunity, on Thursday, April 25th from 4-6pm, in an inclusive community event that will be held at Wanderlust Doughnuts in Kennett Square.
It’s intended for the entire community, and it’s not just specific to autism spectrum disorder.
Basically, it’s for anyone who is looking to continue to enhance their social relationships, their social connections, or just their social skills in general.
This is a safe, nonjudgmental space so you don’t feel that pressure, socially, and you can practice skills like ordering food or drinks or whatever it is that interests you.
I, Malynn, plan to be behind the register for the event. If you’re like me, just plain socially awkward and want to get connected in our community, then come join us for our Social Sprinkles Community Event. Love of doughnuts not required!
We want you to feel safe to connect and just express yourself. And so to support that, we’ll have different activities there such as icebreaker games that could be good for both kids and adults. Some crafting stations for the little ones, that of course the adults are also welcome to enjoy, as well.
We’ll also provide areas for kids or adults who feel a little too overstimulated to calm down their nervous systems, including sensory fidget toys to help manage, and still be a part of the event. So there are options to be a part of the group or find an area that works for you, and go back and forth between the mingling that will be happening.
If you have any questions that you want to bring there based on our blog article or just about the CCWB practice, in general, I, Malynn, will be there and I’d be happy to answer anything. We look forward to seeing you there on Thursday, April 25th from 4-6pm at Wanderlust Doughnuts in Kennett Square.
*Disclaimer: The contents of this blog does not constitute a clinical relationship or replace the need for professional services.
Contact Us
Here at CCWB, we value our clients and acknowledge the courage it takes to seek professional mental health support.
Chester County Well-Being (CCWB) provides a range of mental health services to ensure we meet our community’s needs. We serve individuals, couples, and families in the Chester County area. Reach out to us here.
Our specializations include:
- Family Counseling
- Parenting Support
- Couples Counseling
- Stress Management
- Therapy for Depression and Anxiety
- Conflict Resolution
- Work and Career issues
- Grief Counseling
- Addiction & Recovery
Teletherapy
All our clinicians provide safe and secure teletherapy sessions to anyone residing in PA. Additionally, we provide telehealth options for residents of other states, depending on the clinician. Simply head to our About Us page, and click each clinician’s “read more” tab for telehealth details.
Telepsychology services are provided by Dr. Kuangparichat and Dr. Stern to clients who reside in a state that participates in PSYPACT. Find out if your state is on the list of participating states HERE.
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About the Authors
Malynn Kuangparichat, Psy.D., J.D., Founder and Psychologist at Chester County Well-Being
Dr. Malynn Kuangparichat has a collaborative approach that results in highly tailored evaluations intended to meet her clients’ unique needs. She focuses on an individual’s strengths, which are integrated in the practical, personalized recommendations identified by the findings of an evaluation.
In her free time, she enjoys running, spending time with family and friends, and getting ice cream or doughnuts from the local shops.
Jennie, Postdoctoral Associate at Chester County Well-Being
Dr. Jennie provides therapy for kids, adolescents, and adults. She also specializes in psychological and psycho-educational testing for concerns like ADHD, emotional or behavioral concerns, and autism.