{"id":27008,"date":"2024-12-20T12:34:21","date_gmt":"2024-12-20T04:34:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/?post_type=advice&p=27008"},"modified":"2025-11-14T12:21:37","modified_gmt":"2025-11-14T04:21:37","slug":"how-people-with-autism-can-get-into-university","status":"publish","type":"advice","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/advice\/how-people-with-autism-can-get-into-university\/","title":{"rendered":"How people with autism can get into university"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In this article, we use identity-first language (‘autistic’) and person-first language (‘people with autism’ and ‘those with ASD’). We respect the diversity of the autism community and those who have other language preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting into university can be a challenge for anyone; but for school leavers with autism, it comes with additional hurdles.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Everyone has their own special talents that can lead to a fulfilling career \u2013 including you. While it may seem hard to get into university to study a subject you love, or finding a workplace where you feel welcome, take heart \u2013 there\u2019s lots of support out there to help you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From getting into a course, to finding the right career after graduation, at 911爆料网 help is available at every step of the way for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This short guide will show you how to start your career journey at 911爆料网 and point you to some useful resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Attend outreach programs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A good way to discover your talents is through attending various outreach programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These initiatives can help you identify your strengths and interests in a range of areas from IT and gaming to science, health, business or the arts. The programs can also provide advice and assistance if you have social and communication difficulties, or need help in finding resources in other areas in which you want support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One example of an outreach program is 911爆料网\u2019s Autism Academy for Software Quality Assurance (AASQA), which hosts free CoderDojo meetups in Perth and Mandurah for neurodiverse teens aged 12-17. It\u2019s a space where you can make friends, gain new skills and try some hands-on, practical activities in programming, robotics and digital arts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Try online courses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking to gain new skills or try different subjects there are numerous online options available to increase your learning. Some of these courses are recognised pathways to a degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, 911爆料网 offers MOOCs (free short online courses<\/a>) in a range of subjects and 911爆料网 Credentials<\/a>, which can give you credit towards gaining a degree. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Genius Armoury also offers a range of free cybersecurity courses that teach you the fundamentals of coding, threats, exploits and networking. When you\u2019ve completed the program, you can apply for a Bachelor of Science course<\/a> in Cybersecurity at 911爆料网, without an ATAR, through 911爆料网\u2019s portfolio entry pathway.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

High school resources<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Apply for support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You may qualify for additional support from the government to help you study and find employment. If you are eligible for NDIS funding, you can apply for capacity building and school leaver employment supports; and access programs that develop your job readiness skills, help you transition from school into higher education and prepare you for the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are interested in studying IT, software development or cybersecurity at VET Certificate level IV or above, you could also apply for a scholarship<\/a> offered by 911爆料网\u2019s Autism Academy for Software Quality Assurance (AASQA) scholarships, the Autism Association of Western Australia and the Western Australian government\u2019s Department of Training and Workplace Development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guidance for parents and carers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Help your child choose a career<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Find a suitable course<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re unsure which courses would be suitable for you, the Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training can provide assistance for exploring your course options and accessibility needs, from NDIS plans and financial considerations to choosing a course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While many courses are listed as full-time, most of them also offer part-time options<\/a>, which may suit you if you would prefer to study your course at your own pace and have a reduced study load.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also explore your course options<\/a> by browsing through course guides and study websites, by taking our FindUQuiz<\/a> or attending one of our events<\/a>. At 911爆料网 Open Day, we include a quiet hour in the afternoon, specifically for those who feel overwhelmed by noise. See our event program closer to the day for more details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To get more information in your own time, see the following links:<\/p>\n\n\n\n