Navigating the university sensory environment as an autistic student
We all have our own unique way of seeing and experiencing the world regardless of our neurotype. The autistic population can have very different sensory experiences compared to our neurotypical classmates or colleagues. We can either be oversensitive and/or under sensitive to the various senses. In other words, the environment could either be completely overwhelming with our brains feeling like it is about to explode all the time to the other extreme of barely noticing our surroundings at all. A good example could be that we can be totally bothered by noises and crowds while dog walking in a street but at the same time being completely oblivious when someone comes to touch/talk to you. These perceptions can change from sense to sense or even from day to day. This difference in sensory perception can have significant impacts on our experiences and increased stress in trying to fit into both education and general life.
Looking back at my childhood, I always knew I was different growing up but until my autism diagnosis, I have never understood why. I always struggled going to and being at school. To start, I was a complete mute to anyone outside of my family circle. I was also terrified to write as well. No-one knew what I was thinking or what I want. This frustrated lots of teachers, one of whom kicked me out of their class. Added on top of this, I developed quite severe obsessive compulsive disorder during my teenage years. This along with the communication challenges all caused massive problems, not only academically and with passing exams but socially as well. I changed schools quite frequently, all of which severely disrupted my educational journey. Progressing to higher education was completely unthinkable when I was at the age of 18 and I never imagined I would ever get there. However, studying at university was always a dream of mine and I was determined to achieve it in one way or another. Getting opportunities 5 years later to study at the University of Bristol Vet School and then subsequently the Royal Veterinary College was two of the proudest moments of my life (which was helped massively through the support of my dogs).
Going to university posed numerous challenges for me. I was incredibly lucky to start my university journey during the pandemic. I am probably one of the very few who thinks that. This gave me a gentle start by having all social interactions, exams and lectures online, where I felt the safest. I made some social connections with my classmates and felt incredibly lucky that they were all very accepting of me. However, as soon as the pandemic restrictions were relaxed, this was when I came to realise how harsh and stressful university learning and social environments can be for sensory sensitive autistic students. This came in the form of the super bright lights in lecture theatres, the confusing nature of group working with multiple people talking all at once and the overwhelmingly amount of information given all at once. It can feel like a very lonely place. So, this was what spearheaded my passion on learning about myself more deeply with the specifics on how to make environments more comfortable that embraces my sensory needs. This is so that I can work as efficiently and happily as I possibly can.
Throughout my journey, I came to realise one of the most important thing is to be aware of and to be able to communicate effectively and openly what your specific needs are to the relevant people. Autism, even though it is getting more widely known, is still generally hidden. I know this can be a very difficult thing very autistic individual is different in terms of their challenges and needs. So, without telling people, they will not be aware of what you need. I know this is a difficult thing to do and I found it extremely hard personally initially. I got better and more confident with myself in terms of self-advocating and asking for help as time has gone on.
I know this can be a very difficult and scary thing to do sometimes, so here are my 8 top tips that I can suggest that may help with confidence-building in this area.
Applying for Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)to provide additional funded support was invaluable. I received a specialist mentor and study skills tutor, who were both so useful and made accessing my course as well as my university and general life so much easier. For me, this was purely to bounce ideas off and release anything that might be distressing me in the week. My mind is always so chaotic with my thoughts, so to be able to have a safe space to discuss things with someone who I feel safe is very helpful. They also guided me on how to approach my lecturers to ask for support.
Establishing a good working relationship with your university disability advisor and/or wellbeing advisor can be beneficial. They are your voice within the university and are on your side. They can help you liaise with the appropriate and relevant teaching staff as well as organising any reasonable adjustments that may help you.
Surrounding yourself with people(both outside and within uni) who genuinely cares about and understands your needsis another super important aspect to consider in improving your sense of belonging and confidence. For this, firstly, see if there any neurodivergent societies or groups within your university that you would be comfortable to be a part of. You don’t have to take part in their in-person activities. You could just talk to one person in that group over email or text, or you could join their online group for example. It is important that you do whatever you feel most comfortable with. You can also find similar groups outside of university that you are interested in too. For example, I am part of a riding stables, and I go there whenever I can to help with my social communication skills in a relaxed environment.
Lectures, seminars and practical sessionscan be an incredibly taxing and stressful experience without the correct support and acknowledgement. As a result of my sensory processing difficulties and overwhelm, I fully rely on recordings to take all the material in. I always feel people are focusing and watching me too, which is very exhausting. To assist with this, I prefer to sit at the back of the room, where I use my phone or computer to record the lectures, where I can then listen back later. There are some great software packages that you may want to consider too, such as Genio notes. You can approach your needs assessor to enquire about accessibility software further if you may find this helpful.
Using tinted glasses/sunglasses and noise cancelling earphones (such as Loops or AirPods) can help if you are sensitive to the bright lights and noise levels within the teaching environment. These can take the edge off the overwhelm and anxiety, so you can focus more fully on the material being given.
Being able to step out of the room to have a quick break in a quiet room is also very welcome and sometimes the best option.
Navigating the open plan design of university buildings can be extremely tiring and distressing for autistic students (at least for me!). This includes aspects like the high noise levels, bright lights and multiple different conversations going on at the same time. I know finding places that you can go to can sometimes be a challenge, but you can book an appointment with the student wellbeing or disability advisor to ask them if there are any calmer places to escape to. You can also step outside of the building too to get some fresh air – that always helps!
It can be useful to put together a “disability and health passport” that you can distribute to all the relevant staff and students about your support needs. I have attached a template that I have made for some inspiration.
Always remember, the key thing is that there is nothing wrong with you. It is just we have a brain that is significantly different to our neurotypical peers and hence we perceive things slightly differently. This is where all our stress and overwhelm stems from. All we need to do is to develop a true understanding of who we actually are and find a way to work with and embrace our different way of thinking and sensing the world. It is hard and at times feels like an experiment, but when we do manage it, we can go onto achieve amazing things with relative ease and comfort!
Feel free to message me if I can support in anyway!