College Access, Success and Equity for Students on the Autism Spectrum.

College may be considered a gateway to success, yet access to college is limited for young adults with autism. Given the research recommendations to elicit student experiences and to communicate among universities to improve college access, success, and equity, the present study examined the questions: What factors are perceived as pathways to success or barriers to success by college students on the autism spectrum? What university provided accommodations and/or support services do they prefer? Participants from four universities completed surveys and semi-structured interviews. Findings from the multi-university study suggest the need to provide transition planning and systematic non-academic social and emotional supports from the start of the college experience as well as specific training for faculty, staff, and peers.

20 citations (Crossref) [2023-10-31] Place: United States Accardo, Amy L. College of Education, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, NJ, 08028, USA. Accardo@rowan.edu. Bean, Kimberly. School of Education, Southern Connecticut State University, 501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT, 06515, USA. Cook, Barbara. School of Health and Human Services, Southern Connecticut State University, 501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT, 06515, USA. Gillies, Ann. Colorado Mesa University, 1100 North Ave, Grand Junction, CO, 81501, USA. Edgington, Rebecca. Eastern Illinois University, 600 Lincoln Ave, Charleston, IL, 61920, USA. Kuder, S Jay. College of Education, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, NJ, 08028, USA. Bomgardner, Estyr M. College of Education, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, NJ, 08028, USA.