The reality for autistic students in the UK and the problems of staying authentic
The Purple Lantern Society for neurodivergent students
Being a fresher isn’t easy, especially for someone who finds random social interaction exhausting.
Everyone is told by older relatives and friends that “uni will be the best years of your life!”, which just adds more fuel to this fire of immense pressure and anxiety to be someone they’re not. It just isn’t realistic to expect everyone to be extroverted and have no issues being away from home for the first time.
More than one in 100 people are on the Autism spectrum in the UK and the number of people being diagnosed is increasing year by year- there are also many people in the UK who are undiagnosed due to the scarcity of resources we have to assess individuals.
Len Wuscher, a 21-year-old Biology graduate was diagnosed with autism when they were 20. They said that they found it difficult to be in social situations like society groups and lectures at university.
“I find noise quite distracting, so if there are a lot of people in the room I can’t concentrate on what people are saying. Sometimes I leave early because it's too loud. I had a lot of social anxiety when meeting people I don’t know particularly well.
“That went on for the entirety of my degree.”
Of course, we’re not saying we should just stop face-to-face classes- they are important for students’ social skills and learning. The real problem is how autistic students are supported in this new environment.
Autistic and anxious students are more likely to feel isolated because of the image of uni that it’s all about going partying and drinking alcohol. Many autistic students self-reported in a survey that they found it hard to express themselves to others and initiate conversations with their peers.
Some are offered mentoring and different software on the DSA (Disabled Students’ Allowance) but what about social groups?
Support groups for neurodiverse students never seem to be raved about during freshers' week- night clubs, however, are advertised a whole lot more. Sometimes, just stepping into a freshers' fayre can give anyone a headache with the deafening boom of dance music and the mental health support stall buried at the back of a swarm of students.
Sometimes it is hard to get away from it when club reps on the street are always in your way giving out unsolicited flyers of hundreds of events with the nightclub logo plastered on everything. Most students feel the pressure to take the flyer in fear of being judged by the club reps, knowing full well that they’re not going to turn up.
Nearly half of autistic students (42%) said they experienced “social isolation and loneliness”. One in three found that social activities were ‘forced’ and not diverse for those with different interests. Uncertainty in situations and living spaces increases chances of stress and sensory sensitivity.
From their experience, Len found that they got good grades because of their special interest in Biology, but still felt like the ‘odd one out’.
“Pubs and clubbing seemed to be the standard for most first years. Because I didn’t participate in these things I missed out on getting to know people.
“I am not sure how much there is for completely new students. Maybe there should be a quiet tour of everything or a group to talk about stuff.”
So what are students doing now at university to support their peers?
Eve Wright, 19, a student at the University of Portsmouth is the treasurer of the Purple Lantern, a student-led society for neurodiverse people at the university. It was in the works for a while; the plans for the society were started by the former group ‘Living Well with Autism’, but due to the pandemic and the stressful paperwork, it wasn’t able to take off until 2022. It was set up due to the need for more neurodivergent spaces on campus to reduce isolation and promote good wellbeing.
She said: “I feel personally there is a lack of social environments for neurodiverse people. The big aims of the society are that we hope to provide a safe space to chill and connect and support one another- as well as spread awareness and knowledge about neurodiversity across the university settings.
“I recognise how important it is to have a space where you can be your authentic self. Everyone, regardless of who you are, are welcomed, accepted and loved.”
The society creates events like movie nights where students can connect with others in a quieter space.
The Purple Lantern plans to extend its support to other University services, due to the freshers' fayre not being suitable for autistic students.
Eve added: “We have plans to provide a gateway service for services in the University and societies, where individuals can find out what is available for them in a less stressful environment. Places like Freshers Fayre can be incredibly anxiety-inducing for many.”
Despite the fact that some autistic students continue to feel isolated, universities are beginning to take a step towards a better understanding of hidden disabilities with wellness fayres and virtual freshers' fayres (this however could encourage further isolation).
Having student-led societies shows that there is a demand for more diverse spaces at university. This recognition will one day inspire a reform of university culture to encourage the success of all students, regardless of their disability.
Uni doesn’t have to be the best years of your life. Students shouldn’t have to feel pressured or isolated in a toxic social environment with no support. But it should be a chance to succeed and be your most authentic self.
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