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How do you cope with autism in college?
Transitioning to college is a significant milestone for anyone, but for young adults with autism, it represents a profound shift filled with both challenges and opportunities. The college offers a chance for academic exploration, independence, and personal growth. Still, it also introduces new, unfamiliar social dynamics, overwhelming sensory environments, and the need to develop and learn new coping strategies.
Understanding the journey of young adults with autism in college begins with acknowledging the dual realities they often face. While many possess exceptional strengths in areas like focus, analytical thinking, and creativity, they may also encounter difficulties with communication, executive functioning, and adapting to unpredictable situations. These challenges don’t diminish their potential but highlight the need for tailored strategies and support to help them thrive in an environment designed with neurotypical norms in mind.
For many, the experience of going to college with autism is more of achieving academic success; it’s about navigating a complex web of social expectations, advocating for one’s needs, and learning to balance independence with the necessary support systems. So, if your loved one with ASD is about to go to college and you are asking yourself, “How do you cope with autism in college?” Keep reading this blog by ABA Centers of America.
The Reality of College Life for Young Adults with Autism
College is an environment where young adults expect to manage their schedules, meet academic deadlines, and engage in social activities—all with minimal guidance. For young adults with autism, these expectations can sometimes feel overwhelming. Social interactions, a central part of the college experience, may present hurdles. Unspoken social cues, group dynamics, and the need to form connections can be exhausting for someone who processes the world differently.
But why? According to the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, autistic individuals face significant challenges during emerging adulthood (ages 18–25), especially in the college environment, where social, organizational, and attentional demands can be overwhelming. While many autistic students report strong academic skills and interests, they often struggle with concentrating during lectures, filtering relevant information, and managing anxiety linked to these difficulties.
These challenges can lead to feelings of frustration, making academic success more taxing compared to their typically developing peers. Additionally, students with autism experience higher dropout rates and report negative academic experiences more frequently, highlighting the need for tailored interventions.
Another key aspect is the shift in support systems. Many young adults with autism have spent years in structured environments with consistent routines and individualized assistance. College, by contrast, requires a degree of self-advocacy that can feel daunting. Tasks like communicating with professors, navigating disability services, or explaining accommodations to peers can require a level of confidence and self-awareness that takes time to develop.
Preparing for a Smoother Transition
Many families with individuals with ASD already know that preparation can make a difference in any activity and at any stage of life, especially when it comes to navigating neurodiversity.
When individuals go to college, that secure structure they had at home is greatly affected, and individuals with autism must adapt to a new environment and create new routines that help them better understand their day-to-day lives.
To ease the transition, consider these essential steps:
- Build Independence Early: Encourage skills like managing finances, organizing daily schedules, and preparing simple meals during high school. These life skills can help students feel more confident when they face similar challenges in college.
- Explore Colleges with Strong Support Systems: Research colleges that offer resources for neurodiverse students, such as disability services, sensory-friendly spaces, or specialized programs for students with autism. Visiting campuses and meeting with staff can help determine if a school feels like the right fit.
- Practice Self-Advocacy: Empower young adults to communicate their needs effectively. Role-play scenarios such as requesting accommodations from professors or explaining sensory sensitivities to peers to build confidence before they arrive on campus.
- Establish a Routine: Developing a predictable routine in high school can make the transition to college smoother. Encourage students to create schedules that balance academics, self-care, and social activities.
- Find Peer Connections: Connecting with other neurodiverse students, either online or through campus groups, can provide a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation.
Overcoming Challenges During the College Years
As more autistic students enroll in higher education, research shows they often face challenges in meeting academic and social demands, managing emotional and sensory issues, and navigating unstructured routines. According to Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, unlike in high school, individuals with ASD must self-advocate and disclose their diagnosis to access accommodations, which can add stress and barriers. These challenges contribute to higher dropout rates, with only 38.8% of autistic students completing college—lower than both the general population (52.4%) and students with other disabilities (40.7%).
However, studies highlight that with the proper support and accommodations, students with autism can thrive and have positive college experiences; here’s how you can make this new experience less challenging.
Managing Sensory Overload
- Use noise-canceling headphones or earplugs in noisy environments
- Locate sensory-friendly spaces, such as quiet libraries or designated areas on campus
- Schedule downtime to recharge after busy or stressful days
Building Social Connections
- Join clubs or organizations that align with personal interests to meet like-minded peers
- Attend campus events that provide structured, low-pressure opportunities to socialize
- Seek out autism-specific student groups or mentorship programs to find a supportive community
Navigating Academic Expectations
- Register with disability services to access accommodations like extended deadlines or a reduced-distraction test environment
- Meet regularly with academic advisors or tutors to stay organized and address challenges early
- Use apps or planners to track assignments, deadlines, and class schedules
Developing Coping Mechanisms
- Learn techniques for managing stress, such as mindfulness or breathing exercises
- Establish regular check-ins with a counselor or therapist for emotional support
- Create a “toolkit” of comforting items or strategies to use during overwhelming moments
How ABA Therapy Can Support the College Transition
The skills needed for a successful college experience don’t develop overnight. Early intervention can lay the groundwork for future independence, making the transition to higher education smoother. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, widely recognized for its effectiveness in supporting individuals with autism, can help young adults build essential skills like communication, time management, and emotional regulation.
ABA Centers of America: Supporting Every Stage of Your Child’s Journey
At ABA Centers of America, we understand that each individual with autism is on a unique journey, and we are committed to being there every step of the way. From early intervention programs that teach foundational skills to therapies tailored for teenagers and young adults, our goal is to provide the support needed for a fulfilling and independent life.
We believe that with the proper support, every individual with autism can achieve their goals and thrive at every stage of life. Whether your child is just beginning their journey or stepping into adulthood, we’re here to help them—and you—in this neurodiverse journey. Find out more on how we can help by calling us at (844) 923-4222 or contacting us online.
