The article provides practical assistance with studying online. It covers mental health and well-being considerations as well as guidance in navigating college systems, services and people you can liaise with. We also offer guidance on prioritising your work, taking into account a healthy work-life balance.

Learning online offers flexibility, but it can also present new challenges. In our experience, autistic students work best in environments which are predictable and consistent, and expectations are made clear and the same applies to most people.

Some students may be finding working remotely beneficial, and easier to engage with, which is positive and worth celebrating.  However, we are aware that some students are finding learning remotely challenging, and the guidance given here is designed to help with the effective management of study related challenges.

As an autistic student you might find it helpful to follow this guidance. However, you do not have to be autistic to find this guidance beneficial.

Its aim is to give you a form of road map which you could use to make sense of services available to you while studying online. T

• Identify a named person at UHI North, West and Hebrides who can help you to navigate the various services which you will need to access.
• Consider what areas you need help with, i.e. prioritising work, managing feelings of stress or anxiety, remaining productive etc. Make a list of things you are finding challenging so you can discuss these.
• Create a timetable or routine for working from home. This might be something you can discuss with your allocated learning support worker. You may also want to consider other places you may be able to work e.g. a park, a cafe, etc.
• If you feel stressed or anxious, read our advice on how best to reduce these feelings
• If you are struggling with productivity, again it may be worth talking to your learning support worker. They can discuss your progress and help you decide on the best course of action.
• Look out for information from us about how your course and teaching pattern is being organised. Find out what you need to do.

• How can I find out who would be the best point of contact to help me?
  • How can I contact this person?
  • How can this person help me?
  • How can this person help me to create a realistic list of priorities in order to manage my studies?
  • How can this person help me to adjust to online learning?

• How can I ensure a healthy work-life balance when working from home?
• How can I relieve any stress and anxieties I may be feeling ?
• How can I remain productive when working from home?

Be sure to read the whole of the attached paper (PDF format) which considers all aspects of the student journey:

DOWNLOAD: Studying remotely – advice for autistic students (external link)
by Nicki Martin, Southbank University, and Harriet Cannon, University of Leeds (provided during the COVID Pandemic, but has helpful tips for studying remotely)

DOWNLOAD: UCAS Tips for Studying Online

Most of your learning will take place on Microsoft Teams, and so it is important that you familiarise yourself with this App within Office365.  You might find it helpful to watch this online tutorial

Harriet Cannon and Nicola Martin are experienced higher education disability practitioners. In the Spring of 2020, they co-ordinated the development of this guidance alongside others who have worked for many years with autistic and disabled students in higher education.