1 Quiet and Sensory Spaces across Campus

Autistic individuals often struggle with sensory integration; this means you can be, at a given time, over or under sensitive to their sensory surroundings. Sights, sounds, textures, smells, tastes, movement may be felt more intensely, less intensely, or simply differently than others. Some students may have particular noises, smells, visuals, textures or tastes which they cannot bear or that they really like.

2 Healthy living

This article focuses on the importance of healthy habits for wellbeing. The article provides useful tips and information regarding physical wellbeing, diet, responsible alcohol use, exercise and sleep.

3 Clubs and Societies

Joining a club or society is a great way to meet people with similar interests, try out something new or pursue your passion

We encourage students to join at least one club or society, and with a huge variety to choose from, ATU has something for everyone.   Joining a club, society or activity will give you a chance to explore and participate in interests you might not encounter in your studies. It is a good way to meet like-minded people and make your college experience something to remember.

4 Registering with the Disability and Learning Support Service (DLSS)

ATU encourages students to disclose their disability/specific learning difficulty/ongoing health condition during their application process to enrol in ATU or immediately following admission. Students can disclose their disability/specific learning difficulty/ongoing health condition at any time during their studies in ATU.

ATU is committed to providing students with disabilities with the opportunity to meet a suitably qualified staff member in the Disability Service to discuss the Reasonable Accommodations required. Once a student discloses a disability and seeks disability support, they will be invited to complete a Needs Assessment to identify their Reasonable Accommodations.

5 ATU’s Autism-Friendly Initiative

ATU is working towards Autism Friendly Status with Autism advocacy group AsIAm. We want to celebrate students and staff on the autism spectrum and to provide a learning environment to help all our students realise their potential.

6 Student Supports

The DLSS is one part of a suite of supports for ATU Students. This section will give information on other supports that will assist you in your ATU Journey.

7 Spunout Navigator

The navigator is a free, anonymous and simple three-step tool that helps you find mental health information and support in Ireland tailored to your specific needs.

The tool will ask you three short questions. You start by choosing a mental health topic or concern. Next, you refine your search by focusing on the specific aspect of that topic that is most relevant to you right now. In the final step, you receive personalised results, including expert-checked factual articles, real-life stories, calming activities, and signposts to appropriate support services in Ireland.

8 Starting your first year on the right track

Starting college is a huge adjustment for most students and the first few weeks of the first semester can feel very overwhelming. Read on to find out what issues may arise and practical advice on how to manage – and start your studies on the right track

9 Practical steps to prepare for college

This post will look at some of the practical steps you can take before you start college to make sure your transition to third level is a bit smoother.

10 What is our university like?

Find out about our campus atmosphere, locations and general environment.

11 Telling people at ATU about your autism

Autism is a lifelong neurological difference which relates to how a person communicates and interacts with others, and how they experience the world around them. Autism exists on a spectrum, which means it affects people in different ways, at different times, and in different situations. This article explores issues related to informing people that you are autistic – also known as ‘disclosure’ or ‘declaring a disability’.

12 Talking about your autism

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.

13 Meeting people at university

Many students find meeting new people and making friends amongst the most exciting but also most difficult aspects of starting university. This activity should help you to get started.

14 Managing conflict

Different people have different expectations and styles of working or living together. Sometimes that can lead to conflict. This article will help you recognise causes of conflict and proposes strategies to resolve it.

15 Settling in at Leeds Beckett: Callum’s story

re-write from the staff magazine article

16 How to reduce anxiety and stress

It is normal to feel anxious when starting something new, like a university course, and everyone feels stress at difficult times of the year like exam periods or when there is a lot happening in their lives. It can sometimes be hard to relax. This activity is about helping you to manage these feelings and includes tips from other autistic students.