title: Educational Experiences and Needs of Higher Education Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
abstract: Little research directly examines the needs of post-secondary students with ASD. The experiences and support needs of 23 students with ASD enrolled in two universities and four colleges, and 15 family members were explored in 15 semi-structured focus groups. Thematic analysis identified five themes: core ASD features, co-morbid conditions, transition, disclosure, and services and support. Most students felt educationally but not socially supported; most families felt support was poor in both areas. Transition from secondary school was often unplanned, and disclosure of diagnosis usually occurred after enrolment, often following a significant problem. Many parents provided substantial student support. Thus disclosure of ASD diagnosis and meeting the individual needs of these students are important considerations as higher education enrolments increase.
authors.affiliation: Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Kingsbury Drive, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia.
authors.forename: Ru Ying
authors.initials: RY
authors.lastname: Cai
authors.affiliation: Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Kingsbury Drive, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia. a.richdale@latrobe.edu.au.
authors.forename: Amanda L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Richdale
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities; D014739:Victoria / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; Higher education; Students; Transition