Supporting Exam Preparation for Autistic Students

Introduction

If your child is in the mainstream education pathway, chances are they will be sitting for standardised internal or public exams at some time in their school lives.

Exams can be especially tough for autistic students. To help autistic students do their best, it’s important to provide them with the right support, so they feel ready and confident during exams.

Exam tips for neurodivergent and Disabled students.

Rachel writes about her own experience preparing and taking exams as an autistic student – Young Minds UK

Understanding the Needs of Autistic Students

Many autistic pupils and students are academically capable but may struggle with exams for several reasons, such as:
  • Difficulty staying focused
  • Anxiety
  • Lack of motivation
  • A literal understanding that can affect how they interpret and answer questions
  • Sensory issues
  • Motor skills difficulties

Each autistic student has unique needs, so the support provided should be personalised to suit their individual challenges during exams. Some of these needs are explained in more detail as follows:

Executive Functioning

Image Credit: ADDvantages Learning Center

Executive functioning is like the brain’s control centre, helping to manage tasks and keep everything organised. It’s the set of skills we use to plan, manage time, and adapt when things don’t go as expected.

Imagine an autistic student revising and preparing for an exam. Executive functioning helps them decide which subjects to focus on, organise their notes, and manage their time effectively.

If the student struggles with executive functioning, they may find it hard to start revising, feel overwhelmed by the material, or have trouble organising notes and tracking their progress. Adjusting their plan when needed can also be challenging, leading to feelings of being stuck or anxious.

Difficulties in executive functioning can explain why autistic students have trouble staying focused, leading to issues preparing for exams as well as answering exam questions on exam day.

Exam Anxiety

Autistic students often worry about more than just the questions in an exam. Exams are unpredictable and break their usual routine, which can be hard for autistic students who rely on structure. The exam hall is a new environment, and sensory issues can make it overwhelming.

Some autistic students also put extra pressure on themselves by having unrealistic expectations about their performance and worrying too much about the results. To help reduce their anxiety, it’s useful to prepare them in advance using visual aids. These aids can show:

  • When the exams will happen
  • What will happen on exam day, including the location and procedures
  • How to get ready for the exams

Each autistic student has unique needs, so the support provided should be personalised to suit their individual challenges during exams. Some of these needs are explained in more detail as follows:

Read our articles on Recognising and Managing Anxiety in Young People.

Lack of Motivation

Sometimes autistic students might not see the point of taking exams because they feel that they already know the material.

To help them understand, you can explain why exams are important for their future. For example, getting SPM or A-Level qualifications is necessary for getting into higher education.

These qualifications also show future employers that they have knowledge and skills in certain subjects, which can lead to more job opportunities and help them achieve their goals.

Understanding and Answering Exam Questions

Autistic students may find open-ended questions hard to understand because they often take things literally. This can make exams tricky, as they might not fully grasp what the question is asking. They might also get sidetracked by their special interests instead of focusing on the actual question.

Schools have a key role in helping students, especially autistic ones, prepare for exams. This includes teaching them how to understand and respond to questions. Providing extra support can help autistic students develop the skills they need to do well in exams. Additionally, exam boards must ensure that exam questions are clear and accessible to everyone while still testing what the student knows.

Support Strategies for Teachers and Parents of Autistic Students

For Teachers

Study and Exam Planning

  • Create and distribute a weekly study plan at the start of the semester.
  • Make a clear timetable showing when exams will take place and keep it on display.

Exam Preparation

  • Discuss how the school will prepare students for exams, such as through revision lessons.
  • Help students understand open-ended questions and figurative language.
  • Use past papers to help students develop their exam technique and use mock exams to simulate actual exam day situations.

Exam Day Support

  • Explain what happens during exams; consider writing a short social story to guide them.
  • Try to see students at the start of each exam; seeing a familiar face can be comforting.
  • Waiting for the exam to start can be hard for autistic students. Providing supervised support with a calming activity can help, especially when there are two exams in one day.

Study and Exam Planning

  • Create and distribute a weekly study plan at the start of the semester.
  • Make a clear timetable showing when exams will take place and keep it on display.

For Parents

Managing Anxiety

  • Teach your child simple relaxation methods and practice using these with them to manage anxiety.
  • Suggest your child do something calming before leaving for an exam, like listening to music or using other sensory tools.
  • Encourage physical activity, as it can help reduce anxiety.
  • Ensure your child eats well before an exam.

Exam Preparation

  • Display your child’s exam timetable somewhere visible.
  • Consider writing a social story about exams to help your child understand the process.
  • Create structured, calming home environments to help your child revise according to a study plan that you, your child, and your child’s teachers may have worked on together.
  • Use checklists and visual supports to help your child remember what they need to bring for an exam.

Support and Reassurance

  • Reassurance and Support: Be there to listen, validate, and reassure your child. Ensure they have enough time to rest as well as study, reduce demands on them before important exams, and let them know you’ll support them no matter what.

Special Arrangements During Exams

Schools can provide special arrangements for autistic students during internal exams. For public or national exams, special arrangements must be formally requested.

In the Malaysian public school system, students with special needs (Calon Berkeperluan Khas – CBK) can apply for these arrangements through the Malaysian Examination Board.

The types of arrangements available may vary between public and private schools and might be considered on a case-by-case basis. Common options include:

  • Extra time
  • A separate room, either alone or in a small group
  • A reader
  • A scribe
  • A prompter to help maintain focus
  • A computer instead of handwriting
  • Assistive software (e.g., screen reader or voice recognition)
  • Exam papers in different formats, such as digital
  • Supervised rest breaks

These arrangements are available for students with special educational needs, including autism. Applications must be supported by evidence of the student’s needs and submitted in advance to the relevant exam boards or awarding bodies, as deadlines often apply. If an application is denied, schools can appeal the decision.

To ensure your child gets the necessary support, speak with their teachers about the best way to help them during exams.

Conclusion

Supporting autistic students during exams means understanding their unique needs and offering the right support. Teachers and parents can help by addressing challenges like focus, anxiety, and motivation, creating a calm and supportive environment, and using special arrangements when needed.

It’s also important to consider if taking standardised exams like SPM, A-Levels, or IGCSE is in the child’s best interest. While these exams work well for some, they’re not the only path to success. Remind your child that exam results don’t define them. They’re just one step on a journey, and there are many ways to reach their goals.

Resources

Further Reading

Keep in touch!

Subscribe