Studying with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

• Signing up for guidance

  To sign up for ASD guidance, make an appointment for an intake via the 'schedule an intake' button at the top of this page. If you only want information about autism counselling, you can also schedule an intake.
  An intake takes about half an hour and is non-binding. Parent(s) and/or supervisor(s) are welcome at this meeting.

  In principle, you register for a whole semester of guidance, but you can also move in or out during the semester. The first semester runs from September to January and the second from February to June.

• The guidance

  VU Amsterdam offers group counselling and individual counselling. During the intake interview, we will discuss which type of counselling suits you best. Below, you can find more information on group and individual counselling.

  Group counselling

  During group counselling, various themes are dealt with. Students can help each other with problems and share experiences together with a counsellor. Group counselling takes place weekly and lasts one hour. There is no group counselling during exam weeks and holidays.

  Group counselling is currently given on:

  Monday 17:15-18:15 hrs (in Dutch)

  Tuesday 17:15-18:15 hrs (in Dutch)

  Wednesday 17:15-18:15 hrs

  An online group if there are enough applications

  Individual coaching

  During individual counselling, there is room for a specific request for help. Together with the counsellor, you discuss your situation. The counsellor offers a listening ear and, if necessary, you look for possible solutions. Individual counselling takes place once every fortnight and lasts half an hour.

  Examples of themes during counselling

  • Making a schedule and carrying it out
  • Procrastination
  • Cooperating with fellow students
  • Social contacts
  • Contact with lecturers, academic advisor or (thesis) supervisor
  • Thesis writing
  • Dealing with stress and stimuli
  • Facilities and practical matters around studying
  • Meeting fellow students with ASD

• Costs

  The personal contribution for group counselling is €20 per semester. The personal contribution for individual coaching is €25 per semester. You will receive an e-mail after the intake interview with further information about the start of the autism guidance and a link to pay the contribution.

• Experiences

  What aspects of autism counselling do students find most valuable?

  'The social contacts, that I'm not the only one running into certain problems'

  'That my schedule becomes so clear and less busy by discussing the week with someone who understands how a neurodiverse brain works'

  'The contact, advice and recognition of others with ASD'

  'Tips and tricks, helping to build a schedule, good thinking and lots of understanding'

• Financial arrangements

  If you incur study delay due to special circumstances, you may be eligible for financial support. In case of long-term delay due to chronic illness, disability, dyslexia or special circumstances, the student counsellor can inform you about DUO schemes.

  Under certain conditions, you can also appeal to the Student Support Regulation. The condition is that you have reported your circumstances to the acadamic advisor of your study programme. If you have any questions about submitting your application, you can make an appointment with the student counsellor.

• You can contact these student counsellors

  Academic advisor

  You can go to the Academic advisor with study-related questions. You can, for instance, look together at a schedule that is feasible for you. In addition, the student advisor is your first point of contact if your personal circumstances affect your study progress. You can also apply to the academic advisor for facilities.

  Student psychologist

  The student psychological counsellors can support you with psychological complaints that impede your studies. The student psychological counsellor offer low-threshold, short-term and solution-oriented support for students experiencing study-related and/or personal problems.

  They have walk-in consultations or you can register for a session with the psychological counsellor. They can see you a maximum of five times. There is a waiting time over a month.

  Student counsellor

  The student counsellor can help you with questions or problems that are not related to the content of your studies. The student counsellor supports you and provides advice or information on (legal) regulations and provisions. Examples include DUO facilities, financial regulations, Student Support Regulation or registration and deregistration issues.

  Student Wellbeing Point

  The Student Wellbeing Point is an initiative set up by and for students. In an informal and relaxed space, trained VU students offer fellow students a listening ear, a safe place to catch their breath, or advice on where to find VU support services. You can find them right next to the student desk.

• Contact

  Do you have any questions about autism counselling? You can reach us by emailing autismebegeleiding.soz@vu.nl or make an appointment right away using the blue button at the top right of this page.

More information