Autistic College Student Persistence: Amplifying Autistic Voice and Strengths

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session One
  In Roundtable Session: Pivotal Points: Supporting Students With Disabilities (Table 9)

Abstract

More autistic students are enrolling in postsecondary education. Still, they do not persist or graduate at the same rates as non-autistic peers, and current research considers autistic student success from the perspectives of faculty, staff, or institutional interests. This qualitative, narrative inquiry study explores the experiences of autistic students in their transitions to and through college. The researcher will conduct virtual interviews and use the shared-screen function to co-create visual timelines. Concepts of Schlossberg’s (1981) transition theory and critical autism theory (Davidson & Orsini, 2013) frame the study, which centers around autistic narratives and autistic strengths.

Author

• Carolyn O'Laughlin, Saint Louis University
  Presenting Author