In this article, we use identity-first language (‘autistic school-leavers’) and person-first language (‘people with autism’ and ‘those with ASD’). We respect the diversity of the autism community and those who have other language preferences.
Getting into university can be a challenge for anyone; but for autistic school leavers, it comes with additional hurdles.
Everyone has their own special talents that can lead to a fulfilling career – including you. While it may seem hard to get into university to study a subject you love, or finding a workplace where you feel welcome, take heart – there’s lots of support out there to help you.
From getting into a course, to finding the right career after graduation, at Curtin University help is available at every step of the way for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This short guide will show you how to start your career journey at Curtin and point you to some useful resources.
1. Attend outreach programs
A good way to discover your talents is through attending various outreach programs.
These initiatives can help you identify your strengths and interests in a range of areas from IT and gaming to science, health, business or the arts. The programs can also provide advice and assistance if you have social and communication difficulties, or need help in finding resources in other areas in which you want support.
One example of an outreach program is Curtin’s Autism Academy for Software Quality Assurance (AASQA), which hosts free CoderDojo meetups in Perth and Mandurah for neurodiverse teens aged 12-17. It’s a space where you can make friends, gain new skills and try some hands-on, practical activities in programming, robotics and digital arts.
2. Try online courses
If you’re looking to gain new skills or try different subjects there are numerous online options available to increase your learning. Some of these courses are recognised pathways to a degree.
For example, Curtin offers MOOCs (free short online courses) in a range of subjects and Curtin Credentials, which can give you credit towards gaining a degree.
Genius Armoury also offers a range of free cybersecurity courses that teach you the fundamentals of coding, threats, exploits and networking. When you’ve completed the program, you can apply for a Bachelor of Science course in Cybersecurity at Curtin, without an ATAR, through Curtin’s portfolio entry pathway.
3. Apply for support
You may qualify for additional support from the government to help you study and find employment. If you are eligible for NDIS funding, you can apply for capacity building and school leaver employment supports; and access programs that develop your job readiness skills, help you transition from school into higher education and prepare you for the workplace.
If you are interested in studying IT, software development or cybersecurity at VET Certificate level IV or above, you could also apply for a scholarship offered by Curtin’s Autism Academy for Software Quality Assurance (AASQA) scholarships, the Autism Association of Western Australia and the Western Australian government’s Department of Training and Workplace Development.
Guidance for parents and carers
Help your child choose a career
4. Find a suitable course
If you’re unsure which courses would be suitable for you, the Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training can provide assistance for exploring your course options and accessibility needs, from NDIS plans and financial considerations to choosing a course.
While many courses are listed as full-time, most of them also offer part-time options, which may suit you if you would prefer to study your course at your own pace and have a reduced study load.
You can also explore your course options by browsing through course guides and study websites, by taking our FindUQuiz or attending one of our events. At Curtin Open Day, we include a quiet hour in the afternoon, specifically for those who feel overwhelmed by noise. See our event program closer to the day for more details.
To get more information in your own time, see the following links:
5. Consider the different university entry pathways
When you’re ready to apply for a course, we have several entry pathways to choose from, each designed to help you begin studying at Curtin.
Meeting English requirements
All Curtin courses require you to meet minimum English language requirements, however we understand that writing and speaking English can lead to anxiety for some people with ASD.
We have many options open to you, including passing English ATAR, or gaining a grade B or above in General English, or passing one of our other approved English tests, such as STAT Written English.
If you’re not keen on taking an English qualification or sitting an English test, consider studying one of our enabling programs before starting your degree. When you complete a Curtin enabling program, you’ll automatically meet our English requirements.
We also offer free UniSkills online modules if you would like to improve your academic literacy at your own pace.
ATAR
The ATAR pathway is accepted for entry into all of our courses, and so taking ATAR subjects at high school could help you get into a career that you really want. To access Curtin’s ATAR admission pathway, you’ll need to take at least four ATAR subjects in years 11 and 12 to receive a ranking at the end of year 12.
For some Curtin courses, you’ll also need to have studied certain ATAR subjects. These are called ‘prerequisite’ ATAR subjects.
Didn’t get the ATAR you wanted? Let’s explore some of your options
Portfolio entry
Curtin’s portfolio entry pathway is a good way to qualify for a Curtin course if you’re taking General subjects or studying a combination of ATAR and General subjects and/or VET qualifications. It is also suitable if you finished school without an ATAR or have attended an outreach program.
The portfolio entry pathway gives you access to a wide range of degrees in business, humanities, health and science. In this pathway, you apply for your preferred course with a portfolio of documents that showcase your academic achievements, qualifications, work experience, outreach programs, online courses or extra-curricular activities you have done, and an introductory letter that tells us why you would like to study at Curtin.
Find out how to put your application together with our Portfolio Entry toolkit.
Enabling programs
If you’re not yet ready to apply for a degree, consider applying for an enabling course to see how studying fits with you.
These free programs run for one to two semesters and provide a pathway to a range of degree courses as well as satisfying Curtin’s English language requirements.
VET/TAFE pathway
You can progress to university after completing a Certificate I, II, III, IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma, whether you studied your VET qualification at high school, through a private education provider, or online.
Curtin accepts hundreds of RTO VET qualifications. You can check to see if your RTO/qualification/course code is recognised by Curtin, by calling 1300 222 888.
VET Certificate IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma
A VET Certificate IV enables entry to most Curtin courses that have a guaranteed or minimum ATAR of 70, provided you also meet Curtin’s English language requirements.
A VET Diploma or Higher Diploma gives you entry to courses with an ATAR of 70 and above, including competitive courses, and you may receive credit for recognised learning. Both of these qualifications automatically meet Curtin’s English language requirements.
VET Certificates I-III
If you have a VET Certificate I, II or III, you could apply to Curtin through our portfolio entry pathway or for one of our enabling courses.
STAT
The Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is an aptitude test you can take to gain entry into a course at Curtin when you don’t hold any qualifications. You can also sit the STAT WE if you have qualifications, but don’t yet meet Curtin’s English language requirements.
There are two sections to STAT: Written English (WE); and Verbal Reasoning (V) and Quantitative (Q). The Written English section is a one-hour test that involves writing two short essays. If you achieve a score of 140 or higher, you’ll have met the required level of English. The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative section comprises 70 multiple choice questions. Your Verbal Reasoning score may be used for entry into humanities courses; and your Quantitative score may be used for entry into selected mathematics and science courses.
Apply for your course
When you’re ready to apply for your course, gather your documentation and follow these simple steps. You will need your student number (from the front of your school reports) or your USI (unique student identifier) to apply for a course.
If you’re in year 12 in the year before you want to start your course, you’ll apply online through TISC. If you finished school more than a year ago, you’ll apply to Curtin directly. To do this, go to the relevant course page, click Apply Now and follow the prompts.
6. Contact university disability and accessibility support service
Once you’ve chosen your course and put in an application, make an appointment with Curtin’s disability and accessibility support service to discuss your requirements.
We can help you create a Curtin Access Plan, which is a document that outlines any adjustments you need to study the course. You can also apply to bring your support worker onto campus if you have one.
Other disability supports include provisions for assistive technologies, tailored library services and a mentoring program specifically for those with an autism spectrum or related condition. To find out more, visit curtin.edu/access-ability.
Curtin’s autism mentoring program
Note: There may be a waiting list for this mentoring program.
7. Plan your journey
Before you start your course, find out how to get to the campus and how long the journey takes. The TransPerth app can help you visualise and plan your journey, and show the routes and timetables of buses, trains and ferries.
If possible, take the journey a couple of times before the semester starts to familiarise yourself with it. Try to have an alternative plan in case there are any changes, such as road works or public holidays.
8. Organise your study space
When you study at university, it helps to have a designated study space at home. Think about where you would like this space to be, what sounds you can hear and what colours you can see. Make the area your own and lay it out how you feel most comfortable.
9. Attend orientation
The week before starting your course, you’ll be invited to Orientation Week. This is a fun week where you can get all the information you need about enrolling in classes, putting together your timetable and getting to know your course’s online resources and systems (Blackboard). There are also opportunities to meet others on the same course, become familiar with the campus and join one or more of our many clubs and societies.
These sessions can be busy, so go with someone if this helps you.
10. Manage your workload
Use our online learning system Blackboard to access your course notes, lecture recordings, assessment details and deadlines, class discussion boards and email communications.
You may choose to use assistive technologies to help you manage your workload, schedule and communications. Task management apps like Trello or Asana assist with organisation, while communication tools like Proloquo2Go may help you with language and social interaction. Think about planning your workload week by week, and include time for private study and for reviewing material for tests and exams.
11. Ask for assistance
Ask your lecturer if you require any help with your studies, including understanding the requirements of a classroom task or request, comprehending the information covered in class or lectures, needing some extra time to complete a test or exam, or requiring extra assistance with notetaking.
Group assessments
Some students with ASD find group assessments stressful due to the social interactions. If you find that group assessments are too challenging or cause you stress, speak to our student support services. It may be possible to arrange for you to sit alternative assessment tasks.
12. Gain employment skills while you study
While you’re studying, look for opportunities to gain work experience as this will benefit you enormously once you graduate.
Once you’re enrolled in your classes, you can book one-on-one career counselling sessions, known as a Careers Conversations. In these 15-minute chats – which can be done over the phone or in person – our career advisors will take the time to understand your aims, strengths and areas for development.
We recommend you explore internships or work experience programs to test different industries and work environments without committing long-term. Many employers in WA, particularly those partnering with CARG and other autism advocacy organisations, offer trial periods specifically for those with ASD.
You could also try Curtin’s Industry Mentoring Program (IMP), which aims to help you learn more about the industry you’re aspiring to work in. You’ll be partnered with a mentor in your chosen field, meeting with them every week to discuss your goals. You can ask them anything you want to know about their career and your options.
Also consider flexible and remote working opportunities if you would prefer a work environment with minimal distractions or adaptable working arrangements.
How Curtin can help me get career ready
Do you have any questions?
If you would like more information on applying to university, our support services, or our disability and access services, we’re happy to help! You can get in touch with our friendly team to chat through your options and get tailored advice. We can help you with a wide range of queries, from choosing the right high school subjects to exploring your pathway options.
You can get in touch online, book an appointment, or call us on 1300 222 888 during business hours.
