WHEN Ben Carbonaro began studying at RMIT's TAFE he was paired with a ''buddy'' who helped with reading and taking notes.

Mr Carbonaro has Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism, and he relied on support services throughout his TAFE studies that led to a journalism degree.

Support services were crucial for Ben Carbonaro's studies. Credit:Pat Scala

Before starting his course, RMIT's disability liaison unit took him on an introduction tour so he would be comfortable in his new environment.

But TAFE institutes fear they might have to cut back support services because the state government has reduced funding to the sector.