Students with autism spectrum disorder in college: Results from a preliminary mixed methods needs analysis.
BACKGROUND
There is a growing call for empirically based programming to support the success of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as they transition to college.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to identify the needs and challenges faced by adolescents and young adults with ASD in postsecondary education.


METHODS
A mixed methods approach was taken to explore the needs of college-bound and college-enrolled students with ASD. Primary stakeholders (i.e., parents, educators/support staff from secondary and postsecondary institutions, and students) participated in an online survey (n=67) and focus groups (n=15).


RESULTS
Across the stakeholder groups, commonly identified areas of difficulty included limited interpersonal competence, managing competing demands in postsecondary education, and poor emotional regulation. There was a high degree of agreement across stakeholders in the identified needs and challenges.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings from this preliminary needs analysis will inform the development of programming to support students with ASD.
Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, United States. Electronic address: sww@vt.edu.
Susan W
SW
White
Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, United States.
Rebecca
R
Elias
Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, United States.
Carlos E
CE
Salinas
Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, United States.
Nicole
N
Capriola
Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, United States.
Caitlin M
CM
Conner
School of Education, Faculty of Teaching & Learning, Virginia Tech, United States.
Susan B
SB
Asselin
School of Education, Faculty of Leadership, Counseling, & Research, Virginia Tech, United States.
Yasuo
Y
Miyazaki
Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, United States.
Carla A
CA
Mazefsky
Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College, London and BMRI, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Australia.
Patricia
P
Howlin
School of Education Rehabilitation Research and Training Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, United States.
Elizabeth E
EE
Getzel
D000124:Achievement; D000328:Adult; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder; D004644:Emotions; D005178:Faculty; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010290:Parents; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D036301:Qualitative Research; D000068356:Self-Control; D066107:Social Skills; D013334:Students; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult
Adult; Autism; College; Self-determination; Transition