College Accommodations

Post Reply New Topic

I'm going to my college tomorrow to talk about accommodations. What kinds of accommodations do those of you in college have or feel you need? I am not looking forward to talking about my autism. This is the only place where I ever discuss it. Wish me luck.

Here's what I have on my documentation:

1. A minimum number of class hours per semester
2. Identified support services counselors to see on a regular basis with crisis intervention available if ever required
3. Appropriate place or "safe haven" to study on campus
4. A private room for taking exams
5. Seating in front of the class
6. A class schedule that allows sufficient breaks between classes to process information and/or self-care
7. A limited amount of group work projects that require high social interaction
8. Guidance on course expectations that may prevent sensory overload
9. Individual room accommodations for any overnight class trip, dormitory, hotel, or nature setting
10. Coordination of care as necessary or appropriate with any mental health professional assisting in continued counseling or medication management
11. Optimal extra test taking time

My additional comments:

For #1, although I have had 9 credit hours at my current school, once I get back home I should be able to do 12. Anything over 14, anywhere, is ABSOLUTELY out of the question.

#3 and #5 have turned out to be essential!

#4 depends on the classroom setup; I don't always need this one.

#6 is there because I learned the hard way that back-to-back classes are a really bad idea.

Ignoring #7, #8, or #9 is a good way to bring on panic attacks or full-blown meltdowns

#11 is one I have never had to use

Hope this helps!

Yeah, those make sense. More than likely, that's what I'm probably going to get.

i am guaranteed a single dorm, so that social pressures do not distract me and i am also given a room on the quiet floor so that i could sleep better

I have extended time, alternate setting, and a computer for essays. That's about it, though.

I see. That all helps definitely. Thanks guys!

Most of what you guys have already listed, and I get a single and a ground floor dorm room. I can't really live with anybody yet, and living on the ground floor is distracting.

If you think there are no autistic people in college and the disabled students office at your school does not deal with them frequently, then you are very mistaken.


It is probably one of the more common things they deal with aside from ADHD and those with bi-polar disorder.

Well, just thought I'd tell you guys, everything went well. I ended up getting extended test time as needed.