Is autism/AS a learning disability?

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Is AS considered a learning disability, a psychiatric disability, or something different? I ask because I am in the process of searching for colleges, and, after seeing Alex's presentation video, am keeping an open mind as to disability services at college.

I'm pretty sure that it depends on the case, and how 'severe' your diagnosis is. There are certainly things about it that can make learning more difficult, but it's certainly not a given. I'd suggest that you discuss it with the colleges that you're applying to, if possible.

In the UK it's a Learning Disability...And we're covered by the Disability Discrimination Act. So don't expect me to do small-talk or I'll sue...

I consider it to be so, in my case. I do make pretty mindless social mistakes, for an intelligent person.

Don't we all?

Autism is different,as it can have more complex bits and pieces stuck on than AS,are more likely to find learning difficulties and only likely to find intellectual difficulties in Autism,so it is more likely to be considered a learning disability.

But,with AS,am remember hearing that it is now not seen as a learning disability here,was it on something called the white paper, written by the government? because the majority of aspies have average or above IQs,am remember hearing that this is now used as an excuse from some LD departments in social services to avoid giving aspies support.

im in finland and in here its learning disablity

I spoke to the disability services in my college. They just referred me to an on-campus counselor.

It is listed as a learning disability most places, and is covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Which I find amusing, as the diagnostic criteria requires that there be no deficit in intellectual development, hence, Asperger's Syndrome and a learning disability (by the APA definitions at least) should be mutually exclusive.

I have a learning disability. That's why I struggled in school.

Autism is a learning disability where as AS isn't a learning disability but you can have several learning difficulties but every1 wid AS is different.

Where I live, AS can be a disability. Just 'disability', not learning disability like dyslexia. AS and autism are handled the same where I live.

Learning disability? Never heard of AS being that actually.

Hi Stevopedia, AS and autism are disabilities in and of themselves and you will be able to get accommodations through the disabilities services department of most colleges. Some offer more than others and some even offer specific accommodations for individuals with ASD such as social skills help, special study programs, etc. More and more are developing these supports but there will always be those who just provide the minimum required. I'm writing a book on this subject right now. If you want services, you have to go to the disabilities services office and let them know who you are. It would also be helpful if you brought in a thorough assessment (no more than 3 years old) of your abilities that also has your diagnosis on it. Most students get a neuropsychological evaluation prior to going to college so that their need for accommodations can be justified and the psychologist can also recommend that types of accommodations that would be most useful. Hope this helps. Good luck with everything! Sarita Freedman, PhD