u/Long_Smile3583

Hi all

I specifically made a reddit acc for this lmao.

Anyways. I have just survived my 1st year of studying SLT as an autistic student and I am not feeling great.

I had very low moments throughout the year, weekly meltdowns/ shutdowns, so many misunderstandings, no friends, and staff telling me I should rethink the career. They think I can't do it and I am starting to think the same.

I struggle with everything. I have known I am autistic for 5yrs+ but was officially diagnosed in Feb this year. Skill regression or burnout is definitely occurring. I wish I had the diagnosis and this journey years ago.

Being a SLT is my biggest dream. I know I could change lives. Autistic lives. I truly believe autistic children/ adults etc. need autistic professionals, for the best quality of care and understanding. Everything about SLT interests me deeply. But I am feeling so sad because I don't know if I see myself getting there anymore. It feels like I can only succeed by masking painfully.

My 1st placement was an easy pass and positive with my PE but emotionally and mentally difficult for me. I didn't disclose any diagnosis or adjustments. However, the most recent placement I did disclose those things. Instead of it making my life easier, things were so much worse with my PE. She definitely saw my struggles before me.

I want this course. I want to be a SLT. But how can I survive it when putting support I need in place leads to more anxiety and stress and negative beliefs in myself? I have removed my Placement Adjustment Plan for now and am worried about how I am going to manage next academic year, every part of it.

I don't have a choice really, going to have to push through regardless because I don't have a supportive family. They don't know I am autistic or that I struggle. Life sucks tbh. They would never let me 'drop out'.

I just want to feel less alone and feel like I am capable.

So, please share your experiences good and bad of being an autistic SLT. I want to hear about the moments that made you so glad you got there, but also the realistic struggles you have faced or do face too. If you have any suggestions for navigating uni and placement and the future career for me, please share. If you had considered SLT in the past, what changed things?

Please share anything you wish someone told you.

Many thanks!

Hi all

I specifically made a reddit acc for this lmao.

Anyways. I have just survived my 1st year of studying SLT as an autistic student and I am not feeling great.

I had very low moments throughout the year, weekly meltdowns/ shutdowns, so many misunderstandings, no friends, and staff telling me I should rethink the career. They think I can't do it and I am starting to think the same.

I have struggled with communication eg. struggling to speak during intense meetings with staff asking me about my feelings and do tend to get overwhelmed with multiple demands and changes. However, I want to be able to manage. I try every technique available.

I struggle with everything. I have known I am autistic for 5yrs+ but was officially diagnosed in Feb this year. Skill regression or burnout is definitely occurring. I wish I had the diagnosis and this journey years ago.

Being a SLT is my biggest dream. I know I could change lives. Autistic lives. I truly believe autistic children/ adults etc. need autistic professionals, for the best quality of care and understanding. Everything about SLT interests me deeply. But I am feeling so sad because I don't know if I see myself getting there anymore. It feels like I can only succeed by masking painfully.

My 1st placement was an easy pass and positive with my PE but emotionally and mentally difficult for me. I didn't disclose any diagnosis or adjustments. However, the most recent placement I did disclose those things. Instead of it making my life easier, things were so much worse with my PE. She definitely saw my struggles before me.

I want this course. I want to be a SLT. But how can I survive it when putting support I need in place leads to more anxiety and stress and negative beliefs in myself? I have removed my Placement Adjustment Plan for now and am worried about how I am going to manage next academic year, every part of it.

I don't have a choice really, going to have to push through regardless because I don't have a supportive family. They don't know I am autistic or that I struggle. Life sucks tbh. They would never let me 'drop out'.

I just want to feel less alone and feel like I am capable.

So, please share your experiences good and bad of being an autistic SLT. I want to hear about the moments that made you so glad you got there, but also the realistic struggles you have faced or do face too. If you have any suggestions for navigating uni and placement and the future career for me, please share. If you had considered SLT in the past, what changed things?

Please share anything you wish someone told you.

Many thanks!