Exploring Autism Support Programs for Autistic College Students: A Systematic Review (Poster 34)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Friday 9:50 a.m.
  In Poster Session: Psychological Well-Being and Coping Mechanisms in Higher Education

Abstract

With diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder rapidly increasing, it isn’t surprising that the number of autistic individuals entering postsecondary education is also increasing. Unfortunately, attrition rates are considerably higher among autistic students compared to the general student population. As a result, more postsecondary institutions are implementing autism support programs (ASPs) to increase autistic students’ success in college. However, it remains unclear whether current ASPs are sufficiently supporting autistic students. Therefore, using the SPIDER framework, we conducted a systematic literature review to explore whether ASPs at undergraduate institutions in the U.S. are meeting the needs of autistic students. Our findings suggest that ASPs should more commonly implement faculty mentoring networks, promote authentic social relationship building, and provide mental health services.

Authors

• Angela Barbour, University of Oklahoma

• Danielle N. Berry, University of Oklahoma