Inclusiveness at RWTH
Studying with Autism
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are profound, neurobiologically determined developmental peculiarities that first manifest in early childhood and which persist throughout a person’s life. The focus of these disorders is on specific abnormalities in the areas of social interaction, communication, and behavioral patterns. The symptoms can vary considerably in their severity and intensity, which is why the term “spectrum” is currently being used.
Various institutions at RWTH Aachen University offer support for students who are affected by this condition:
Psychological counseling
The Psychological Counseling service for RWTH students is part of the Student Counseling and Advising Center. In confidential one-to-one sessions, students have the opportunity to discuss any and all issues relating to their mental health and their emotional well-being. In addition, psychological counseling offers a variety of other methods to teach specialist knowledge and helpful strategies on mental and learning psychology issues.
The needs of each affected individual can vary greatly, which also means that the support requirements of each person are different. People on the autism spectrum often have difficulties filtering out external stimuli according to how relevant these stimuli actually are. Stimulating environments, such as face-to-face events with numerous participants, can be particularly stressful for such people and this often leads to them requiring more rest. It can be challenging to find the right balance between work and rest periods. There is a risk that an affected student might overexert themselves, especially if the course is something that really interests them.
Other students, on the other hand, find the change of residence and the lack of family routines very stressful, especially at the beginning of their studies. In such cases, it is crucial to establish new routines and help these students to build a social network. Some people also seek psychological counseling because they feel overwhelmed by intense emotional experiences. Here it can be helpful for them to develop a better understanding of their own emotions and to learn strategies to help them calm down.
Despite these different needs, however, there are things we can be aware of to help all people affected by autism: This includes clear and unambiguous communication, always sticking to agreements, providing low-stimulus environments, and fostering a culture of patience and acceptance.
These elements are universally beneficial for everyone, and they make it clear that people on the autism spectrum do not have fundamentally different needs from their peers. Rather, they are just more dependent on those factors that are generally considered to be beneficial to everyone.
Inclusive Education Officers
The Inclusive Education Officers are the first point of contact for anyone suffering from health-related difficulties during their studies. They advise students on questions regarding inclusive studies and provide information on support options, but they also serve on University committees to represent the interests of students with disabilities and chronic illnesses in accordance with §62b HG NRW. On top of this, they develop projects to assist these students.
Students on the autism spectrum face particular challenges when it comes to organizing their studies, their everyday life and examinations. Starting a degree course is also a frequent topic that arises during counseling sessions.
Prospective students on the autism spectrum often make efforts to find out about the requirements and opportunities before they leave school in order to find out how to be best prepared for their studies. In cooperation with the “Advice for pupils and prospective students” of the Central Student Advisory Service, the Inclusive Education Officers offer advice on starting your studies and they outline which support options are available. Afterwards, you can take part in an individual campus tour to help you find your way around RWTH.
Adapting study programs and accommodating disabilities
During your studies, study assistants and quiet rooms to retreat and work between lectures are important aids to help you cope better with everyday life at university. In order to prevent students becoming overwhelmed, the study program can be adapted to meet any individual needs they may have.
Steps taken to accommodate for a person’s disabilities can also be used to modify the conditions present during examinations to cater to their unique needs. For students on the autism spectrum, extensions to writing time, less stimulating examination rooms, and the use of aids are particularly relevant.
They can network with other people affected by autism via the student training course “My illness, my studies and me” or the self-help group for students on the autism spectrum.
Further information on the topic of studying with autism is available since October 2025 during our “Raising awareness of... autism in students”: www.rwth-aachen.de/sensibelsein
– Authors: Kerstin Platt and Lena Schulte