Educational Engagement and Tertiary Transition for students with Asperger's Syndrome

Factors enhancing engagement Positive influences

- Words of encouragement- Connecting with teachers aware of Asperger's

Syndrome - Use tutors / older siblings, parent to assist with

homework- Find and enhance strengths - Use inclusive/adaptive technologies

Aspirations / goal setting

- Identify skills, gifts, abilities- Highlight interests, strengths and talents - Identify TAFE pathways into University- Choose subjects that highlight strengths- Create opportunities for extra-curricula activities that

focus on strengths/interests

Inclusive learning systems- Identify learning settings that have a variety of assessment

options- Choose study paths that highlight strengths- Identify settings that encourage / reward inclusive pedagogy - Check Disability Action Plan or school policies for Asperger's

Syndrome related supports- Ask what practices are in place including support groups and

technology for students with Asperger's Syndrome- Encourage development of good self advocacy skills - Disclose Asperger's Syndrome to disability support staff- Identify and request relevant supports in and out of classroom - Identify subjects which highlight abilities

Positive self identity / Resilience- Source / read diagnosis to improve understanding - Find strengths - Source opportunities to use strengths- Surround yourself with encouraging people - Feel confident about strengths- Seek encouragement from supporters (parent, sibling,

teacher, friend)- Develop confidence to disclose - Know the type of information to disclose and to whom- Know your rights

Awareness / Being understood

- Disclose to people you trust - Find people who have time and capacity to offer

assistance- Be prepared to receive help- Seek opportunities for school and community

awareness of Asperger's Syndrome - Promote successful personalities with Asperger's

Syndrome

Student profile Prepare a 1 page easy to read fact sheet

outlining: learning preferences strengths specific interest areas tasks / working conditions to avoid goals / aspirations summary of Asperger's Syndrome

specific to individual

Tertiary pathways TAFE and University - course options

Application systems Making choices Limitations / conditions for entry Special entry schemes

Student experiences and recommendations - what students

are saying... Find a social niche Discover strengths and abilities Gain experiences as a volunteer Know the positives and negatives to disclosure Access support at TAFE and university Make career choices - Know what you like Fill in learning gaps The importance of parental support Surviving change - "it won't be new for long"

The benefits of knowing what to expect

Deep breathing and visualising the learning environment

Having someone to talk to

Asking for advice - "do not wait for things to go wrong"

Prepare for change

Learn to cope with anxiety

Visiting the campus - the benefits of knowing a new environment

Finding a quiet place

Knowing the social code

Making the most of the Disability Liaison Unit

Meeting others on campus Learning the TAFE campus at the start of the course Having constant support at home Having a good attitude I would have liked a buddy in my first few weeks Going to a Transition Camp Telling my lecturers was the best thing I did Getting the support of peers The benefits of a buddy at TAFE Use student services on campus Use the campus map to get to know the new

environment Know what to wear

Be aware of what to say A buddy system would help Early diagnosis is better Parent acceptance matters Moving was difficult for me I was lonely and there was no one to help My diagnosis made things clear for me Decode interactions Understand the chaos of learning without support I couldn't listen to lectures and take notes I didn't know I needed support or how to get it It was scary at the beginning - it was the unknown

that worried me

Useful Websites My Future is a careers website which offers useful information

on finding a career and relevant training. You can also download handy careers bullseye posters with job ideas in a range of fields.

http://www.myfuture.edu.au/Assist%20Others/Activities/Bullseye%20posters.aspx

VTAC - Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre for most TAFE and

University course applications.

www.vtac.edu.au

JobAccess for all workplace and traineeship modifications for

people with disabilities.

www.jobaccess.gov.au

Aspirations Tertiary transition CD for students with Asperger's

Syndrome

http://www.rmit.edu.au/disability/transitionstories