University Adjustment and the Broad Autism Phenotype

• In Event: Roundtable Session 30
  In Roundtable Session: Disability and Higher Education

Abstract

Abstract. Students with autism struggle to adjust to the social and academic demands of university, and are prone to dropping out without having attained a degree (VanBergeijk, Volkmar & Klin, 2008). This study extends this research by examining autistic traits in the general student body population in relation to student adjustment. Results showed that participants who scored higher on autistic traits were much more likely to struggle with social and academic adjustment to university. Universities should provide interventions aimed at promoting emotional awareness, effective communication and positive social interactions for students experiencing social and academic maladjustment to increase student retention.

Authors

• Dominic Angelo Trevisan, Simon Fraser University

• Elina Birmingham, Simon Fraser University