DS finished year 12 being quietly confident, expecting his AS results for Math, Further Maths, Physics and German AS. The plan is to drop German and continue with the STEM subjects to A2. Having attended a residential extension Maths course and read a few books, DS is now very enthusiastic about a Maths degree, although he considered Engineering or Computing in the past and learned to code. We are booking open days visits for September, but not quite sure what to look for and what criteria to set.
Naturally, we looked at the league tables. I‘ve read through a number of threads on the subject of choosing universities and degree courses. However the more I read, the more I became uncertain and confused in terms of how all this wisdom would apply to autistic DS. The dynamics and factors that work for “normal” people in a certain way might work very differently for student on the spectrum.
For example I came across a comment that due to their limited “worldliness” and social interactions skills, some students with solid Maths degrees remain unemployable :(
Another comment that worries me was that 40% of Maths graduates at good universities get 2:2 degrees, which as I understand are not degrees at all, as no decent employer would look at them, so what’s the point?
Self insight is really not DS’s strength so he tends just to repeat what his teachers are saying, which is nothing helpful so far. I haven’t been to a university in this country and have absolutely no idea how it all works, so I am seriously worried to not do more harm than good. So I would really appreciate some pointers, some empirical evidence or observations that could provide some reality check/factual point of reference for our search.
DS has a statement with full time 1:1 support, although it became very light touch and remote in 6 Form, to encourage his independence. He has a language disorder that makes essays very difficult. He had teething problems at the beginning of 6 Form and generally doesn’t adjust to change and new environment very easily. He seems to enjoy Decisions and Algebra modules most (the latter described by the teacher as Pure Maths). Due to his ASD, DS struggles socially and is not very “worldly” and streetwise for employment.
Here is what we established so far:
1 The main overriding concern is the future employment, graduating successfully with a job to go to. The employment should come on the back of the prestige and set up at the university – a strong industry connection is key. In which universities and courses would DS have greatest chances of getting the internships and job offers, in spite of his ASD?
2. The course structure and the assessment methods should be workable for DS, although I have limited idea what this means. I know that small groups, some 1:1 supervision (the more the better), some flexibility, modular assessments (i.e. not zero assessment for 9 months and then one final exam on all of the years material…) will be best. Telling DS “Here is the library, it is all up to you now, see you in 9 months…” is definitely a no-no. What course structure and assessment should we be looking for? I realise that Oxbridge is most suited if one can get into, but what if else?
3. Preferably small campus rather than a big city. As little social pressures and drinking as possible. This means possibility to opt in and out of social life at his own pace, without peer pressure penalising his studies and wellbeing. Preferably a single campus accommodation with ensuite, avoiding shared apartments as much as possible. Strong safeguards against bullying and abuse. Alternatively commute from zone 9 to London?
4. Structured possibilities to expand the horizon and learn about the industry and the real world via organised opportunities to mix with diverse students in diverse range of subjects (i.e. not via personal network) and to attend lectures/presentations from and visits to interesting companies, organised by the university.
5. Having various career options open. Some flexibility, possibility to readjust career aims depending on how it goes with the degree, to be balanced against the focus on being immediately employable. Being redirected to Engineering or Computing might be better than getting an unemployable 2:2 degree. Do Maths graduates with ASD get into the City or is Computing industry unavoidable?
What else should we consider and which weight to give to these factors?
What could be the best courses and pathways to employment for DS?
Many thanks.