
Navigating Mental Health Support
In a study published in 2023, more autistic college students reported below-average mental health (22.9%) than their non-autistic peers (14.3%), highlighting…
Self-advocacy (n.) is an individual’s ability to effectively communicate, convey, negotiate or assert his or her own interests, desires, needs, and rights. It involves making informed decisions and taking responsibility for those decisions (VanReusen et al., 1994). Self-advocacy skills can be learned, and are crucial to develop in order for you to gain independence and make important decisions about your own life.
Should I disclose my autism? Deciding whether and how to disclose your autism can be a very personal and complex process. In college, disclosure is a form of self-advocacy as you choose to request the supports you need to be successful. This two-part series breaks down the steps for figuring out if disclosure is best for you and how you can effectively disclose your autism in college.
Use this guide to decide if disclosure is right for you and how to make and practice your own disclosure plan.
If you disclose to your college’s disability office, follow these steps to obtain supportive accommodations.
Interviews, articles, and tools to assist self-advocacy in college.
The American Civil Liberties Union helps people with disabilities learn how to gain independence by informing them about their option to use supported decision-making as an alternative to depending on their guardians. Click the link for general information, videos, tools, sample agreements, and legal information.
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is a non-profit organization based in Washington D.C. and is managed by and for autistic people. ASAN’s activities include public policy advocacy, the development of cultural activities, and leadership training for autistic people.
The Self Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC) is an online resource designed to support self-advocacy organizations. It is a collaboration among multiple organizations. It has resources for self-advocacy organizations and individuals who want to learn more about issues that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities face.
Navigating Mental Health Support
In a study published in 2023, more autistic college students reported below-average mental health (22.9%) than their non-autistic peers (14.3%), highlighting…
A Hire Autism Job Seeker Finds Success
Valerie Thompson, a later diagnosed autistic individual, found herself going to interviews and receiving positive feedback but not a final offer despite considerable tech…
Neurodiversity as a Super Power
“The world needs different kinds of minds to work together.” – Temple Grandin That’s right…I said it: Neurodiversity is a superpower. In this article,…