{"id":39,"title":"Succeeding in College as a Late-Diagnosed Autistic Person","slug":"succeeding-in-college-as-a-late-diagnosed-autistic-person","lang":"en","description":"Starting college can be exciting but also overwhelming. For most students, it’s a big life change. For someone who doesn’t yet know they are autistic, this transition can be even harder. I began my freshman…","content":"

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Starting college can be exciting but also overwhelming. For most students, it’s a big life change. For someone who doesn’t yet know they are autistic, this transition can be even harder. I began my freshman year without understanding my own neurodivergence. It wasn’t until that year that I started to uncover my identity as an autistic person. This process came with confusion, self-doubt, grief, and many unanswered questions.

College brings a whirlwind of changes—new environments, shifts in daily routines, meeting countless new people, higher expectations for independence, and pressure to perform well academically. These pressures come not just from professors and parents, but also from peers and even yourself. For me, the weight of all these demands took a serious toll on my mental health. I struggled greatly in my first few years.

However, as I went through the process of learning about autism, receiving a diagnosis, and understanding my needs, I discovered several tools and strategies that helped me thrive. These tools didn’t erase the challenges, but they gave me a way to navigate college more successfully. If you are a late-diagnosed autistic student—or even just starting to explore the possibility—you may find these suggestions helpful.

1. Self-Advocacy: Speaking Up for Your Needs

One of the most important lessons I learned in college was the value of self-advocacy. Many people think advocating for yourself means openly telling others you’re autistic, but that’s not necessarily true. Advocacy can take many forms, and it doesn’t always require disclosing your diagnosis.

Sometimes, self-advocacy is as simple as speaking up when something is bothering you or setting boundaries to protect your well-being. For example, I would let friends know I needed to use earplugs in loud spaces, like crowded dining halls. In class, I would email my professors to explain that I might use fidget tools to help me focus. Other times, self-advocacy meant quietly recognizing when I needed a break and giving myself permission to step away.

There are also more visible forms of advocacy. You might join a campus autism support group or get involved in neurodiversity-focused student organizations. These communities can be a safe space to connect with others who understand your experiences. If your school doesn’t have such a group, you could even start one—perhaps a chapter of the Neurodiversity Alliance or an affiliate group of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network.

Advocacy is not about pushing yourself to reveal more than you’re ready to share—it’s about ensuring your needs are respected and supported in the ways that work best for you.

2. Accessing Support Services and Academic Accommodations

Nearly every college or university has an accessibility or disability support office. This is the place where you can register to receive academic accommodations. These might include extra time on exams, access to lecture recordings, priority registration for classes, or a quieter space for test-taking.

If you want accommodations for autism, most schools require an official diagnosis. This can be tricky if you’re still in the process of being evaluated. Before my autism diagnosis, I used my ADHD diagnosis to register for disability services. While I didn’t get all the accommodations I would later receive for autism, I was able to get some that made a big difference. If you have another condition with an official diagnosis—whether it’s ADHD, anxiety, or a chronic health condition—you might be able to use that to access at least some support.

Beyond formal accommodations, campuses often have other resources worth exploring. You might find mentoring programs designed for neurodivergent students, or transition programs that help with the move from high school to college life. Even if a service isn’t specifically for autistic students, it can still be useful.

For example:

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The Writing Center can help you structure essays and manage large writing assignments.
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The Tutoring Center can help with specific subjects you find challenging.
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The Career Center can guide you through job applications, resumes, and interviews.
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The Research Center can help you navigate academic projects more effectively.
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These resources are usually free for students and can make a huge difference. I wish I had taken advantage of them sooner instead of struggling alone.

3. Building a Supportive Social Network

Social life in college can feel complicated when you’re autistic—especially if you’ve only recently learned about your diagnosis. You might feel pressure to fit in or to engage in social situations that are draining. The key is to build a network of people who respect your needs.

Sometimes that means finding friends who share your interests, whether that’s through clubs, study groups, or online communities connected to your school. Other times, it might mean having one or two close friends instead of a large social circle. There’s no single “right” way to do college socially—what matters is finding what feels comfortable and sustainable for you.

It’s also important to set boundaries. If you know that certain events or environments will be overwhelming, it’s okay to say no. Prioritizing your mental health will ultimately help you do better academically and enjoy your college experience more.

4. Managing Sensory Needs

College environments can be unpredictable—loud dorm hallways, bright classrooms, crowded cafeterias. Managing sensory input is crucial for many autistic students.

Some simple strategies that helped me include:

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Carrying noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs for loud spaces.
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Using sunglasses or a hat to reduce light sensitivity.
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Bringing fidget tools to lectures to help focus without getting overwhelmed.
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Finding quiet spaces on campus, like less crowded libraries or study rooms, for breaks.
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Being proactive about your sensory needs can prevent burnout and help you stay engaged in both academics and social life.

5. Taking Care of Mental Health

The mental health challenges of college are real, and being autistic can add another layer. If your school offers counseling services, consider using them—especially if they have therapists familiar with autism.

Mental health care doesn’t always have to be formal therapy. It can also mean creating daily routines, scheduling downtime, or practicing stress-reducing activities like meditation, drawing, or going for walks. The goal is to build habits that help you recharge and avoid overload.

Final Thoughts

Succeeding in college as a late-diagnosed autistic person isn’t about trying to become someone you’re not. It’s about understanding yourself better, advocating for your needs, and using the resources available to you. My own journey was filled with challenges, but it was also full of moments of growth and discovery.

If you’re just starting this journey, remember: you are not alone. There are people, tools, and strategies that can help you not only survive college but thrive in it. By practicing self-advocacy, seeking support, and respecting your boundaries, you can create a college experience that works for you—one where you can succeed both academically and personally.

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