By talking about your autism and advocating for yourself, you make an important step towards feeling comfortable with others. This activity introduces the advantages of being open about your autism, and give some practical tips.

Should I tell people that I am autistic?

The decision on whether to tell people that you are autistic is entirely up to you. You may choose to tell some people and not others. Telling others can mean that you don’t feel the need to mask around them. However, choosing not to tell someone is also ok. 

Who to tell

You may decide to disclose on a person-by-person basis depending on how you feel, this could be friends, peers on your course or staff at the university. Disclosing autism to the university means that you will be able to access support that is tailored to your needs as an autistic person. This includes things extensions to deadlines, extra time or rest breaks during exams and having 1:1 support from a Specialist Mentor or a Specialist Study skills tutor. 

Advocating for my needs 

We appreciate that asking for what you need can sometimes be difficult to do. To help you with this, we use a system called an Impact Statement. Creating one of these means you can list any difficulties that you may have and more importantly, specify how you would like to be supported. Any teaching staff will see that you have an Impact Statement and will be able to quickly see how they can support you without the need for you to tell them.  

Explaining your needs to a close trusted friend at university may also be helpful when you feel that you are comfortable enough to do so. This means that you are likely to have an advocate out and about, perhaps socialising at the same time as you who knows what you may need to help you in certain scenarios. 

Benefits and drawbacks of disclosing 

Click on the link below for some really good information from the National Autistic Association about disclosing you are autistic. 

Talking about and disclosing your autism diagnosis 

Meeting other autistic students 

Autism Support Group 

This is a group that runs monthly during term-time at both Frenchay and Bower Ashton campus sites. Students are welcome to join either one, it does not matter which campus you are studying at.  The group offers a safe place to meet other students who identify as autistic and where you are free to be yourself.   

The group is run by Specialist Mentors who are there to facilitate the session, and answer questions you may have.  Each month a guest speaker is invited who can support you with university life and build on your strengths. There is also time allocated for you to discuss with us and your peers any topics that you feel are important.   

 For more information, please see the available support tab on the following web page. 

 Neurodivergence and mental health study support – Get disability support | UWE Bristol