Navigating Support Challenges of Autism and Co-Occurring Disabilities During College

• In Event: Embracing Diverse Minds: Autism and Accessibility in Academia

Abstract

Although numerous studies have highlighted the importance of understanding autistic college student success, little remains known about autistic students who simultaneously navigate both autism and other co-occurring disabilities during college. To better support this population, it becomes paramount to understand the unique challenges of navigating both autism and co-occurring disabilities during college. Using an applied thematic analysis of 42 semi-structured interviews among autistic undergraduate students who identified as having co-occurring disabilities, this study addresses the following question: What key challenges do students describe in navigating both autism and other co-occurring disability/ies during college?

Authors

• Karly Ball Isaacson, Michigan State University

• Bradley E. Cox, Michigan State University

• Brett Ranon Nachman, University of Pittsburgh