University with autism: support and reasonable adjustments

Help that the guideline named

Where needed, according to the guideline the following help should be offered: ^{[1, Rec. 111]}

• support in choosing a course and in the application process,
• support in the phase of starting university,
• counselling services for chronically ill and disabled students and similar services,
• study support,
• reasonable adjustments,
• support in the phase of final theses,
• support in finding and completing compulsory placements, for example making contact with placement providers, accompaniment in the first days of the placement and, where appropriate, informing the placement provider about autism.

The guideline named this as a recommendation for adults without intellectual disability (consensus-based, strong consensus). Those affected should be supported concretely in making use of the help. ^{[1, Rec. 111]}

Reasonable adjustments at university

As examples of reasonable adjustments, the guideline named: more flexible timetables, fewer weekly semester hours, examinations in separate rooms, longer examination time, other examination modes (for example written instead of oral), alternative proof of performance for group work and presentations, and individual schedules for laboratory rotations. ^{[1, Rec. 111]} These are examples, not entitlements. Which reasonable adjustments your university grants and how you apply for them is regulated by the university and state law; this article makes no statement on that. For school: Reasonable adjustments at school.

Choice of course and educational route

The guideline recommended that the choice of occupation and vocational educational route be guided by individual strengths. Where needed, concrete support and individual reasonable adjustments should be offered, in particular for application processes, daily structures, inclusion in social structures, organising placements and, at the person’s request, informing the university. ^{[1, Rec. 110]}

What else you should know

• You decide who is informed. The guideline named informing the university “at the person’s request”. ^{[1, Rec. 110]}
• Use advice early. The guideline explicitly named counselling services for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses. ^{[1, Rec. 111]} Independent advice on participation benefits: Finding advice.
• Not covered: financing of studies, study assistance, BAföG rules, state higher-education acts, rules of individual universities.

Sources and literature

1. DGKJP, DGPPN et al. Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen im Kindes-, Jugend- und Erwachsenenalter. Teil 2: Therapie. S3-Leitlinie, AWMF-Reg.-Nr. 028-047, Stand Text 02.05.2021 (Empf. 110, 111). – Guideline (in German); expired on 23 March 2026 (see no. 2)
2. DGKJP. Aktuelle Leitlinien (Eintrag 028-047: „Gültig bis 23.03.2026“). https://www.dgkjp.de/wissen/aktuelle-leitlinien/ – Professional society (website in German)