How to manage exams | AUTISM TOOLKIT

This section looks at how to manage exams. This includes information about what to expect, how to prepare for an exam and practical tips to help you perform well.

Background

You will have experience of exams from secondary school. Exams can be delivered in a variety of different ways including written, practical or oral exams. Most commonly exams take the form of a set of questions that you need to answer and are a way of measuring your knowledge in that particular subject. Exams are timed and will often take place in a controlled environment with an invigilator present. Exams are just one form of assessment that will take place on your course, you will also be assessed via coursework.

How could this affect me?

Many students report finding exams stressful, particularly in terms of preparation and knowing what to expect. It is important to remember that exams are only one form of assessment and that you will be assessed using a variety of methods on your course.

For autistic students one of the challenges relates to organising a revision timetable and becoming overwhelmed by all of the reading material.

Many autistic students report feeling very anxious during the exam period particularly in terms of practical arrangements such as where they need to go to sit the exam. It can be helpful to visit the exam venues ahead of the exam to ensure that you know where to go. See the tips section below for further information.

Practical tips

These tips are intended as a guide so you can pick out the ones that are most helpful to you.

Before the exam

• Many autistic students find it difficult to do targeted revision and to take regular breaks when revising. It can be helpful to set a timer to ensure that you revise a topic for a set period before moving on to the next topic
• Many students report that mindfulness meditation or breathing techniques help them to relax before an exam. There are lots of resources out there that you can try that will guide you through the meditation process.
• If possible, visit the rooms where your exams will be taking place in advance. You will then be able to rehearse the route to your exam room and can find out about any potential distractions. You may also be able to arrange to sit at a particular desk (e.g. near the front of the room or door) as part of your special exam arrangements.
• In order to revise most effectively it’s a good idea to use a variety of approaches. This could include using recordings, making a mind map and taking notes which you could display in a visible area.
• Get as much rest as you can, 6-8 hours a night is recommended. Even if you can’t sleep you should give your body a chance to rest and make sure that you have a chance to wind down before going to bed.
• Try to eat at least one proper meal a day including vegetables and protein and make sure that you stay properly hydrated. Although some people find caffeine useful in the short-term as a stimulant, it is not always helpful for those that are prone to anxiety.
• Try to exercise daily as this will help relax tense muscles, use up any excess adrenaline and increase circulation.

During the exam

• If you feel anxious when you enter the exam room, practice breathing exercises to keep calm.
• Make sure you're sitting comfortably. Place your feet firmly on the ground and relax your shoulders
• Take a few seconds before turning over the exam paper to let the initial feelings of anxiety subside.
• Plan your answers out briefly to ensure adequate time for each question. Before you start writing have a look through the exam paper to see how many questions you have to answer. You can then work out how many questions you have to answer in the time available by dividing the time by the number of questions.
• Many autistic students report that they become easily distracted by sensory stimuli and this can be particularly problematic in an exam. It is worth discussing this with Student Disability Services as you may be able to arrange to take your exam in a separate room to avoid distractions.
• Stay hydrated throughout the exam by drinking plenty of water
• Avoid perfectionism – check spelling and punctuation and use sources if necessary but remember that you aren’t expected to produce the same level of writing as you would be in your coursework.
• If you feel unwell during an exam alert the invigilator and ask if you can leave the room for a short while. Taking a few deep breaths and a drink of water may be sufficient for you to calm down.

After the exam

• Consider what went well and what didn’t go so well. Use that knowledge to inform you on how you prepare for your next exam.
• Don’t be too self-critical if you think you haven’t performed well. Remember that exams are stressful and it’s common to have doubts about your performance after the event.
• If you feel you have not done well, do not dwell on it as it will get in the way to preparing for the next exam.
• Whatever the outcome congratulate yourself for taking the exam and all your hard work!

About the author

This article was adapted from an article written by Lucy Balaam, Disability Advisor (Autism Spectrum) at University College London.