TCD Model of Support for students with AS

Presentation Aims Explore the model of support for students with AS at TCD from entering college to graduation Challenges faced by students with AS & Trinity

1,375 students currently registered with Disability Service 72 students (5%) have Asperger’s Syndrome 62 Undergraduate 10 postgraduate Number of Students with AS

Student Disability Service UnilinkCounselling Health Service Student Union Tutor

Pathway’s Model of Support for Students with disabilities

Phase 1 Phase 1: Pathway to College Pre-entry, admission and the first year experience Phase 2 Phase 2: Pathway through College Building and maintaining a college career Phase 3 Phase 3: Pathway to employment Transition to further study or employment Pathway’s Model taking account of the total ‘Student Journey’ from pre-entry to employment or further education

Phase 1: Pathway to College

Thinking about College Open Days/Evenings Individualised meetings with DOs/OTs in supporting transition to college Students with AS encouraged to connect with College well in advance Working with ASD Support Groups- lectures, talks

Dedicated Transition Website

Transition Planning Tool

AS Website

Transitioning into college Parent/Student Event Orientation Programme Needs Assessment Referral to Reasonable Accommodations- e.g. Unilink

Welcome Day - Getting to know Trinity Two Day Orientation/Welcome for students with ASD Day Schedule –Getting to know Trinity-Being a Fresher Student –Campus Tour/Scavenger Hunt –Meeting the DS and SU –Being a student learner –Getting to know TCD Computers/Library –Tour of BLU Library –Managing living in Halls –Questions and Answers??

Students Comments about the Day “Everything seems clearer now as a result of the Welcome Day” “I feel better prepared for college & I enjoyed myself.” “I learned about college, I met new people and help was given to all my problems” “I came to learn names and find my way around” “Between meeting important staff and being shown around I found I gained the information I wanted.”

Phase 2: Pathway through College College Life: Building and maintaining a college career…the bigger picture

Phase 2 Supports Students with AS can avail of a number of supports in college: –Meeting with DO-advocate; Needs assessment, disclosure, LENS etc. –Weekly appointments with OT in Unilink –Weekly Social Leisure Group –Placement planning –Mock exams –Low Distraction Exam Venues –AT quiet study Space

Unilink Service Occupational Therapy Support Service 1:1 support Focuses on supporting the student to develop practical strategies to manage their student role and their health and well-being at college PEO and Recovery Model (Quinn et al, 2014) Connection with Health Centre

Weekly Social Leisure Group

Mock Exams & LDV Mock Exams: Students have the opportunity to experience exams scenarios; reduce anxiety, familiarity TCD also provide Low Distraction Venues for students with sensory difficulties.

Phase 3: Pathway to Employment Career Pathways Service

Individualised transition planning service –Exploring career options –Build career related skills and experiences –Ways to manage disability in the workplace Access to suite of resources and supports; OT, CA, ATO, Workshops Transition to employment planning tool

Challenges within TCD Transition to college- need for longer lead in More complex academic and personal issues arising Managing anti-social behaviour Seen as place of expertise and excellence- which opens up challenges Parental Input / Engagement

Any Questions? Thank you for listening!