title: Mentoring University Students with ASD: A Mentee-centered Approach.
abstract: This study presents a conceptual understanding of how mentorship is experienced by the participants of a mentorship program for university students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. We interviewed the participants of the Autism Mentorship Initiative at Simon Fraser University. A grounded theory approach was used to systematically organize data from interviews and documents to reveal themes that were salient to the mentees (students with autism; n = 9) and mentors (neurotypical students; n = 9). The following five main themes were identified and interrelated under the core theme of A Mentee-centered Approach: (1) The Natural Progression of the Relationship, (2) The Supportive Mentor, (3) The Meeting Process, (4) Identifying and Implementing Goals, and (5) Learning Together. An in-depth analysis of a mentorship process is described.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Education, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A1S6, Canada. nickiroberts01@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Education, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A1S6, Canada.
authors.forename: Elina
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Birmingham
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D000071252:Mentoring / Q000379:methods*; D008611:Mentors / Q000523:psychology; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; Mentee; Mentor; Mentorship; Self-advocacy; University