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

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

- 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

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

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

 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

 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.  ters.aspx  VTAC - Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre for most TAFE and University course applications.   JobAccess for all workplace and traineeship modifications for people with disabilities.   Aspirations Tertiary transition CD for students with Asperger's Syndrome 