Autism Goes To College

Autism Goes To College
  • 4.9 (29)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Hear from neurodiverse students about how they are managing at college, charting their own paths, taking creative approaches, and making it work in the classroom and on campus.

  1. EPISODE 51: At UC Davis, a full college experience for non-degree scholars

    DEC 19

    EPISODE 51: At UC Davis, a full college experience for non-degree scholars

    Blake and Ishaan are loving life on campus, taking classes and working at internship jobs. Both are part of the UCDavis Redwood SEED Scholar program, which supports California students (ages 18-23) on the spectrum (and with other learning differences) who want a full college experience. For Blake, now a third-year student, that includes the program's foundational classes in math and language arts, plus a choice of classes from all that's offered across UCDavis. One of his faves so far: a quarter spent learning about the geology of national parks. Plus, Blake has two very different internships-  take a listen to hear more. Ishaan also feels the program is a perfect match for him. Now in his second year, Ishaan enjoyed dorm life from the start. He is super involved with his internship supporting the volleyball teams. Academically, Ishaan has chosen a mix of classes and appreciates the peer mentors and tutors. These guys can't say enough great things about the whole experience- take a listen to hear more! Support the show

    25 min
  2. EPISODE 50: Dean's List x 2, While social life is "A work in progress"

    DEC 2

    EPISODE 50: Dean's List x 2, While social life is "A work in progress"

    Lindsey W. is killing it in her classes. She’s now a junior at Appalachian State in Boone, NC, and has a few strategies helping her tackle the more intense coursework in her major, communication sciences. Neuroanatomy and physiology aren’t easy, but she’s doing it. She’s made friends in her classes and joined study groups, and continues to go to her professors’ office hours. She’s also part of Christian intervarsity bible studies and has become active in the neurodiversity club, now that the group is now growing and taking on some projects she cares about. Take a listen to how Lindsey continues to thrive, and she starts to think about what comes after graduation. Support the show

    25 min

  3. OCT 29

    EPISODE 49: It hits different on campus when autism is in the news

    This fall there's been a firehose of autism news --  stirring up old controversies, confusing parents and families, impacting students on the spectrum now at college, and even challenging autism researchers. In this special episode, host Katharine O'Brien talks with Dr. Katherine Meltzoff, professor of education at UCRiverside and director of the SEARCH Family Autism Resource Center about how teaching and learning about autism is being impacted and how students on the spectrum are faring. Big picture, one possible outcome could be a re-segmenting the autism spectrum.  Support the show

    29 min
  4. EPISODE 48: Working AND grad school? Two stars from the documentary discuss why they went back, what’s different, and time-management tips

    SEP 26

    EPISODE 48: Working AND grad school? Two stars from the documentary discuss why they went back, what’s different, and time-management tips

    Both Jasmine and Aniella graduated from UCRiverside and found jobs pretty quickly doing what they hoped to do. For Jasmine, putting her engineering degree to work on a project with the California Department of Transportation was a dream job, while Aniella still feels lucky to be working in the entertainment industry in LA. But after a few years in the work world, both decided to go back for more schooling, part time. In this episode they talk with host Katharine O'Brien (a Phd student with autism) about why they decided to go back for more school, what's different about grad school, and how they each hope the investment in an added credential could help them meet future goals. Interested in Antarctica and tips on time management? This ep has it all. Support the show

    36 min
  5. EPISODE 47: It's Back to School...at UCLA for Peri

    AUG 20

    EPISODE 47: It's Back to School...at UCLA for Peri

    Peri begins her junior year at UCLA this fall quarter, and she's back to tell the story of her decision to transfer from a small liberal arts college in the northeast to a big public university much closer to home. UCLA is the most applied-to school in the country. So how did she do it? And why? In this episode, Peri talks about her decision to leave Hamilton, how it went taking classes at Santa Monica Community College for a couple of years, and how she chose four schools, all closer to home, as targets for her transfer. Peri discusses finding her strengths, overcoming struggles, and offers insights on what works for her as a student on the spectrum. Support the show

    28 min
  6. EPISODE 46: Jose explores certifications, the arts and campus life at Holyoke Community College - why starting with certificates at CC built momentum and confidence

    JUN 19

    EPISODE 46: Jose explores certifications, the arts and campus life at Holyoke Community College - why starting with certificates at CC built momentum and confidence

    When Jose Perez finished high school in Massachusetts, he took the advice of counselors who advised him to check out the range of opportunities at his local community college. He says it's been all good - Jose has taken courses towards certification to become an educational paraprofessional, some music classes, an ASL course, and participates in several campus organizations and clubs, including the student senate. He's also dedicated to working with campus police on de-escalation techniques, as he himself experienced improper treatment when hospitalized. Jose has been enrolled in classes at HCC for a few years and takes the paratransit to campus, something he learned to do after the pandemic. Now he's looking forward to getting his certification so he can help students in the same transition program he used when charting a path from high school to vocational training. He's joined on this episode by Rebecca Leporati, a counselor at HCC, who explains the scope of degree and non-degree options for community college students.  Support the show

    23 min
  7. EPISODE 45: Tony graduates with an Econ degree from St. Mary's College - office-hours approach, DRC coordination, and a calmer finals routine

    MAY 30

    EPISODE 45: Tony graduates with an Econ degree from St. Mary's College - office-hours approach, DRC coordination, and a calmer finals routine

    Tony Yau shared every twist and turn in his college career with the Autism Goes to College audience. From his first semester at the University of Oregon to a re-orienting stopover at community college and on to St. Mary's, Tony's been generous with his candid takes on college life. Some of his insights: Don't over do it with DoorDash, don't hesitate to switch majors, or, even colleges. Because what Tony reveals in this final episode of his undergrad experience is that once you're in the right place studying something you care about, it can all flow a lot better.  Oh yeah, and he definitely did not like the wrap around support dorm for neurodivergent students. He likes his decompression and down time, so an off campus solo apartment made all the difference. And now, he has his degree. Hear about Tony's internship, and what's next on this episode. Support the show

    24 min

  8. MAY 1

    EPISODE 44: LIVE FROM UCLA! With special guests from the Bruin Neurodiversity Collective - peer groups, DRC teamwork, and building community on a big campus

    In this special edition ep, Autism Goes to College goes to college with this live event taping recorded at UCLA. Two students, Jenny M. and Danny N. share their stories of navigating from community college to UCLA with our host, Katharine O'Brien. Insights include hacks and how-tos for transfer students, accessing evaluations and accommodations, and how mental health counseling might make all the difference. Bonus: Ryan Neale returns with an update on how it's going as he heads into his junior year, and the latest developments with the student self-advocacy and social space he founded on campus, the Bruin Neurodiversity Collective. Have you heard of body doubling? You probably want to know about this. Support the show

    49 min
See All (52)

4.9
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

Hear from neurodiverse students about how they are managing at college, charting their own paths, taking creative approaches, and making it work in the classroom and on campus.

Information

  • Creator
    Autism Goes To College
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Autism Goes To College
  • Show Website
    Autism Goes To College