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Students with autism spectrum disorder in college: Results from a preliminary mixed methods needs analysis
Susan W White1, Rebecca Elias1, Carlos E Salinas1
1Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, United States.
Background:
There is a growing call for empirically based programming to support the success of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as they transition to college.
Aims:
The purpose of this study was to identify the needs and challenges faced by adolescents and young adults with ASD in postsecondary education.
Methods:
A mixed methods approach was taken to explore the needs of college-bound and college-enrolled students with ASD. Primary stakeholders (i.e., parents, educators/support staff from secondary and postsecondary institutions, and students) participated in an online survey (n=67) and focus groups (n=15).
Results:
Across the stakeholder groups, commonly identified areas of difficulty included limited interpersonal competence, managing competing demands in postsecondary education, and poor emotional regulation. There was a high degree of agreement across stakeholders in the identified needs and challenges.
Implications:
Findings from this preliminary needs analysis will inform the development of programming to support students with ASD.
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