Lottie James, VP Welfare & Community
Happy Autism Awareness Day! For this blog post, I wanted to discuss something that isn’t talked about enough – autistic joy!
Autistic joy is about moments that make autistic people feel safe, authentic and content. This can be due to a wide range of activities, experiences, and even spaces that allow autistic individuals to be themselves. You may notice autistic joy through special interests, sensory-friendly experiences, connecting with others, and feeling like you can be yourself.
1. Special Interests
At the University of Southampton, we’re lucky to have a range of ways that students can delve into their special interests.
- Elective modules: for some courses, the University offers optional modules which range from social justice, and marine biology, to AI technology and medieval literature. As part of my Education degree, I chose to complete a minor subject in Creative Writing. I love reading and writing so revisiting this hobby as part of my degree was exciting.
- Clubs and societies: We have over 300 clubs and societies at SUSU including tabletop gaming, astronomy, ancient history, and more! It’s a great way to connect with people who share the same passions and interests, and everyone’s up for a very specific monologue on something niche.
- Public workshops and research seminars: The University frequently hosts guest speakers and academic events that cover a range of topics. If you’re up for additional learning, this could be the perfect opportunity.
2. Sensory-Friendly Environments and Wellbeing Spaces
One of the things I have been working on this year is introducing more low-sensory and wellbeing spaces across all of our campuses. I am currently working with the Student Hub to create a wellbeing space in WSA and at Avenue, and the Halls of Residences team has set up a new wellbeing room in City Gateway.
You can also request noise-cancelling headphones or ear defenders through the University’s Technology Grant or Health & Wellbeing Fund.
3. Reasonable Adjustments
The University of Southampton’s Student Disability and Inclusion team can support you with a Student Support Recommendation plan that can provide reasonable adjustments depending on your needs. You do not need a formal diagnosis to access this support. This could include:
- Flexible lecture attendance.
- Quiet exam spaces.
- Access to sensory aids or assistive technology. Contact studenthub@soton.ac.uk to find out more.
What brings us autistic joy?
To round off the blog post, I thought I’d talk about what brings me autistic joy, as well as other autistic students. Here is what everyone had to say:
- “Plushies and comfort items. I’ve recently got two new ones from claw machines, so they’re extra special”
- “Finding comfort in a well-structured routine.”
- “Engaging in my special interests! Right now I’m really enjoying playing Minecraft, and watching Hermitcraft/The Life Series! I’ve also been really enjoying Shiny Hunting in Pokémon!”
- “Rewatching films from my childhood for the nostalgia!!”
- “Spending hours uninterrupted researching into early modern witchcraft and paganism.”
- “The colour green.”
If you haven’t already, the Neurodiversity and Disability Society is a great way to meet like-minded people, and the Accessibility Network (formerly known as the Disabled Students’ Network) is open for neurodivergent and disabled students to feedback and improve SUSU and the University.