Individuals, companies, and academic institutions need to understand how to support international students living with autism. Autism is a complex neurobehavioural condition that gives rise to an impairment of social interaction, developmental language and communication skills. This condition also gives rise to repetitive behaviours which could hamper academic learning. It is important for universities to be proactive and not just reactive to the needs of students living with autism
Tag along as we consider how to support international students living with autism
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Academic Support
Students living with autism usually need guidance on enrollment into academic institutions. As such, they need to be assisted in the selection of their desired courses of study. This will also occasion the choice of university for them. It is best to consider academic institutions with an academic advantage for students living with autism. For instance, universities with special tutors that assist with individual note-taking.
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Environmental Support
There is a need to ensure students living with autism have the enabling environment to excel. The environment ought to be conducive enough for academic growth and all-round development. For instance, the environment is not expected to be hostile or unyielding to them. In fact, a special dormitory can be provided for them void of health and social hazards.
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Social Support
Generally, people tend to withdraw their support from students living with autism; this does more harm than good. Being expressive in nature, students living with autism tend to feel bad when they get little or no attention from members of the public. This could take them into depression and as such, affect their academic performance. Therefore, having them engage in school activities improves their social skills and the perception the general public has of them.
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Mentoring
It is pertinent for them to have mentors they can access easily. This has a way of consistently brightening their mood and increasing their level of productivity being that they are expressive. This will also help the medical and academic team to manage their condition as well while ensuring academic excellence.
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Medical Support
Without a doubt, autism is a health condition which requires a great deal of medical support. For this reason, these students require the constant attention of tutors/teachers/lecturers. This ensures their health condition is monitored effectively. Health and academic evaluation reports of the student are to be presented to the appropriate authority within the school periodically. This assists teachers and handlers in the proper monitoring of the students academically and healthwise.