Navigating College: A Handbook on Self-Advocacy – Written for Autistic Students from Autistic Adults

The non-profit organization,  Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) seeks to advance the principles of the disability rights movement with regard to autism. As part of ASAN’s work to empower Autistic people across the world to take control of their lives  ASAN  has available in their resource library, a handbook for college students. Navigating College.

Written by autistic adults for college students with autism, this handbook contains five topical chapters: Accommodations, Housing, Health and Safety, Advocacy, and Social Issues.

Each chapter contains several essays covering some aspect of the topic.  There are 17 essays total. The introduction is written by Ari Ne’eman, president of ASAN.  The introduction, written by Jim Sinclair provides an overview of the ADA.

Samantha April Davis in a brief  two-paragraph piece preceding the essays reminds has this reminder for students.

You’re a college student now. Things are different from
what you are used to. A lot is being asked of you and it’s
not always easy meeting expectations. Nobody said it
was going to be easy. You might have a bit of trouble
along the way. You might struggle. A lot of people
struggle. You might have to ask for help. You might have
to ask even when you feel that you shouldn’t have to.
You’re in college now. Remember one thing: You made it
to college because you have potential. You are in college
because you demonstrated capability to get here. If you
are struggling now, it is because you are able and, while
your needs may be different or beyond that of the
typical college student, you are capable of meeting
those challenges given proper support.

This is a good reminder for all students.

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Author: WINAHEAD

WINAHEAD is made up of representatives from thirty institutions. Our members are professionals employed by two- and four-year colleges and universities who work directly with students with disabilities to ensure equal access to higher education. WIN indicates the geographic area we represent: Western Iowa and Nebraska. AHEAD is our national parent organization, the Association on Higher Education and Disability.