New supports for Asperger's students

[Posted: Thu 03/11/2011 www.irishhealth.com]

A support service website for students with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) was launched today launched by TCD.

TCD says over the past four years, the number of students with AS uitilising its support services has increased five-fold, and the College now has the highest number of students with this condition by the late Dr Zehanne Kenny studying in Ireland.

The support service website for students swith the condition features seven videos of students discussing their experiences of university life with Asperger's.

Also, TCD's first i-book, entitled 'the A to Z of AS', has been launched today and is available on the website.

Health Minister James Reilly, who launched the new supports today, commended TCD on taking such an initiative which, he said, would greatly enhance students' experience of everyday college life.

The initiative is student drivewn and supported by the Trinity Disability and Unilink Service, aimed at providing a medium in which to encourage people with AS to think about TCD as a possible university to attend.