Guidance for interviewers
People with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) often make excellent students and excel in further education, but having ASD can make the initial entry to a new learning environment challenging, especially at the interview stage.
Here is some information which may be useful during the interview process:
The learner may be very anxious about meeting new people and new environments; they may come across as shy and quiet. People with ASD can be sensitive to noises or lights that others don't notice. Be aware of the surroundings; avoid places with lots of sensory distractions. People with ASD may take a little longer to process verbal questions/information and formulate a response. Be patient and allow them this time. Allow extra time for the whole interview, so you don't feel rushed Bear in mind that your language could be taken very literally and be confusing (e.g. kill 2 birds with 1 stone); if possible avoid metaphors, jokes and sarcasm, if not then be understanding of why they may not be understood. Keep the information you give clear and to the point, ask questions one at a time and if possible have written information that the person can take away. People with ASD often find it difficult to read body language, inferred meaning, understand the subtleties of social etiquette and some attempts at humour. This can make social interactions difficult for you and for them. Don't be offended if their conversational language is very direct and try to say what you mean clearly. Don't be offended by any lack of eye contact, a face can be very confusing when you can't read all the signals, lack of eye contact often shows that the person is making an effort to listen to you (e.g. avoiding the distraction of your face or other things in the room).
The Special Needs and Disability Act 2001 (SENDA) establishes that the college is legally obliged to make ‘reasonable adjustments' if they are needed so as not to discriminate against learners with disabilities. The Regional Centre staff are here to help you do this with our learners with ASD.
If you have any queries or would like support regarding a potential learner with ASD, then please feel free to contact the Student Advisor (ASD) on ext: 3342 or in room C1, Norwich Building. We can provide a wide range of support for students (in class and off course support, the RUG room) and staff (information, advice and guidance of best practice based on thorough research).