College Access and Success for Students on the Autism Spectrum

• In Event: Postsecondary Access and Success for Students With Disabilities

Abstract

College may be considered a gateway to success, yet access to college is limited for young adults with autism. Given the research indicating need to elicit student experiences and to communicate among universities to improve college access, success, and equity, the present multi-university study examined the questions: What factors are perceived as influencing attending college by young adults on the autism spectrum? And, what factors are perceived as pathways to success or barriers to success by college students on the autism spectrum? Findings suggest the need to provide transition planning and systematic non-academic social and emotional supports for students on the autism spectrum from the start of the college experience.

Authors

• Amy Accardo, Rowan University

• Kimberly Bean, Southern Connecticut State University

• Barbara Cook, Southern Connecticut State University

• Ann Gillies, Colorado Mesa University

• Rebecca Edgington, Eastern Illinois University

• S. Jay Kuder, Rowan University

• Estyr M. Bomgardner, Rowan University