Options for further education

Finishing high school and moving into further education, such as university or TAFE, is an exciting time, but it’s also a big change. 

This transition can be particularly significant for young autistic individuals. Here, we examine what further education options are available, the support you can access, and how to make the most of your further education journey.

Understanding tertiary education

Tertiary education includes universities, TAFE (Technical and Further Education), private colleges, and community institutions. Unlike high school, where your day is structured and teachers are there to guide you, tertiary education requires more independence. You'll need to manage your schedule, keep track of deadlines, and actively seek resources for your assignments. This can be overwhelming at first, but it also means you have the freedom to learn in a way that suits you best.

Preparing for tertiary education

As a tertiary student, you have several important responsibilities to manage. You’ll need to manage your own time and be responsible for getting yourself to classes. You need to ensure you are prepared for classes by reviewing your notes, textbooks, and any recommended materials before lectures or tutorials. Attending these sessions is crucial to engage with the material and improve your understanding. Develop a note-taking system that works for you, whether it's with pen and paper or digitally. You can research and prepare for your assignments using libraries and online resources. You will be responsible for meeting all deadlines by completing and submitting assignments on time. Unlike school, you are required to be responsible for yourself and your workload. 

Support services in tertiary education

Everyone has different support needs while studying. Some people may need adjustments to their academic workloads or accommodations with assessments and exams. Others may need support to achieve their study goals. Some people may need support with planning their social or everyday life tasks to assist them on their education journey and to create a healthy life/study balance. Developing good self-awareness and understanding of your own individual strengths and challenges is a good place to start and will help you self-advocate for your support needs.

The good news is that help is available if you need it. Universities and TAFEs offer a range of support services to assist you. 

University pathway programs

If you didn’t complete Year 11 and Year 12, there are still ways to access university education. Open Universities Australia (OUA) offers several pathways to help you gain the qualifications needed to enrol in university courses. 

Exploring educational options

University courses

Universities offer degrees in a wide array of fields. Bachelor's degrees generally require a minimum commitment of three years of full-time study if you are starting them new. If you’re considering university, think about the kind of support you might need. You can choose to disclose your autism to access these services, or you can start without and see how you go. 

University life is very different from that of high school. You have much more independence and will need to be responsible for your own schedule, coursework and assignments. It requires you to be organised, and if you choose to attend face-to-face classes, you’ll also need to learn to navigate the university campus. The amount of time you spend at university can also depend on the course (program) you are enrolled in. For example, if you do a science course, you may have practical laboratory classes to attend as well as lectures and tutorials.

TAFE courses

TAFE is great for vocational education and training, providing practical skills directly related to specific jobs. TAFE courses are flexible, with full-time, part-time, and online study options available. TAFE courses range in time commitment from 6 months to a couple of years. TAFE’s have teacher/consultants for students with disabilities and are available to help students right from the time they start enquiring about courses.

Each state and territory manages TAFE separately from each other. Here is one example of Disability Support Services offered by TAFE NSW. There are many TAFE courses that can be studied online. An example is the TAFE NSW option of the Open Training and Education Network (OTEN).

Private colleges 

Private colleges offer diplomas, degrees, and short courses that can provide specialised training in various fields and can be a great alternative for further education. 

Private colleges offer diploma and certificate programs that are shorter than university degrees and provide focused training in specific fields like graphic design, information technology, hospitality, and business management. Some private colleges also offer full bachelor's degree programs, similar to university ones. These degrees are often in specialised fields and are designed to provide a practical, hands-on learning experience. The courses often focus on specific skills and industries, providing practical, job-ready training. Many private colleges offer flexible study options, including part-time and online courses, which can be beneficial for balancing study with other commitments. Private colleges typically have smaller class sizes, allowing for more personalised attention from educators.

Online study

Studying online in Australia has become much more accessible for autistic students, thanks to a range of tailored support services and flexible learning environments. Many universities offer comprehensive online programs with specialised accommodations such as extended deadlines, note-taking assistance, and personalised learning plans. Platforms like Open Universities Australia (OUA) also provide various courses from multiple universities, allowing autistic students to choose programs that best fit their needs and interests.

Online study is particularly beneficial for autistic students. It provides the flexibility to study at your own pace and manage your time according to your unique needs, reducing the anxiety and stress associated with strict schedules and classroom environments. The comfort of studying from home provides a controlled and familiar setting, which is important for students with sensory sensitivities. Online learning also minimises the social pressures and potential distractions of traditional classrooms, enabling students to focus better on their coursework. The availability of recorded lectures and digital resources also allows students to review materials as often as needed, improving their understanding and retention of information. With the growing recognition of these benefits, Australian universities are continually improving their online offerings to support the academic success and wellbeing of autistic students.

Finding the right course

If you’re unsure where to start, check out the My Skills website and My Future website. Funded by the Australian government, these sites offer a wealth of information on different courses and career advice to help you make informed decisions.

Navigating university life

Daily routines and class structures

University life is a lot less structured than high school. Some days you might have back-to-back lectures, while other days, you might be free for independent study. It’s important to stay on top of your schedule and make sure you’re attending all your lectures and tutorials, even if attendance isn’t always compulsory.

Independent learning

You’ll need to take charge of your learning. This means preparing for classes in advance, finding your own resources, and managing your study timetable. Creating a study plan can help keep you organised.

Disclosing your diagnosis

One of the big decisions you’ll face is whether to disclose your diagnosis when enrolling in further study. This is a personal choice and there is not right or wrong answer. However, discussing it openly can provide access to valuable resources and support, which can significantly improve your university experience.

Why should you disclose your diagnosis?

Telling your educational institution that you’re autistic is essential if you want to access the accommodations and supports available. They offer a variety of services designed to help students with disabilities, including autism, to succeed academically and personally. It’s not just about getting extra time on exams – it’s about tapping into a network of support that can help with everything from employability to managing daily challenges. These can include:

• Learning Access Plans (LAPs) or Reasonable Adjustment Plans (RAPs): Personalised plans to address individual needs and provide necessary adjustments.
• Note-taking services: Assistance with taking and providing notes from lectures and tutorials.
• Assistive technology: Providing software and devices to aid in learning, such as screen readers, speech-to-text programs, and specialised keyboards.
• Accessible study spaces: Access to Disability Study Centres or other accessible study areas designed to accommodate various needs.
• Exam adjustments: Special arrangements for exams, including extra time, separate rooms, use of computers, or scribes.
• Loan equipment: Provision of equipment on loan, such as digital recorders or adapted furniture.
• Time-management and organisational support: Assistance with developing skills in managing time and organising study schedules.
• Assignment extensions: Flexibility with deadlines and providing extensions for assignments when necessary.
• Counselling and psychological services: Access to counselling and mental health support tailored to help students manage stress, anxiety, and other psychological challenges.
• Disability liaison officers: Dedicated staff members who provide ongoing support, advocacy, and assistance with navigating university services and accommodations.

How to disclose and get help

Start by contacting the disability or accessibility support unit at your university. They’ll guide you through the process and let you know what documentation you need. You’ll need to provide proof of your diagnosis, such as medical reports or documentation from high school. You should then inform your lecturers to help them understand your needs and offer the right support in the classroom.

Getting help from parents/carers

While your parents/carers can support you, they can’t speak to university staff on your behalf without your permission. You can invite them to meetings with university staff and give consent for them to discuss your situation if needed.