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Robeson M, Brasil KM, Adams HC, Zlomke KR. Measuring depression and anxiety in autistic college students: A psychometric evaluation of the PHQ-9 and GAD-7. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024:13623613241240183. [PMID: 38514920 DOI: 10.1177/13623613241240183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Anxiety, depression, and suicidality are major concerns among college students, though less is known about these constructs in autistic college students. Given the rising number of autistic individuals entering college, adequate screening and diagnosis of mental health difficulties is necessary to provide care to this population. For example, despite widespread usage of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), it is unknown if the two instruments accurately measure depression and anxiety the same way between non-autistic and autistic individuals. Thus, the current study was the first to examine how these instruments measure depression and anxiety symptoms in autistic versus non-autistic college students. Utilizing tests of construct measurement in a sample of autistic (n = 477) and non-autistic (n = 429) university students aged 18-29, results showed that while the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 appear to be accurately capturing anxiety and depression in autistic college students, the PHQ-9 item assessing suicidality was found to be measuring different things. This indicates that autistic college students are not interpreting this question the way non-autistic students are, and thus, the measure is failing to capture suicidality in autistic people. Future investigators should continue to assess the appropriateness of using common screening measures, originally created by non-autistic people, in autistic populations.
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Vincent J, Ralston K. Uncovering employment outcomes for autistic university graduates in the United Kingdom: An analysis of population data. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:732-743. [PMID: 37353923 PMCID: PMC10913337 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231182756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT International research suggests that more autistic people are entering higher education. Currently, very little is known about this group in the United Kingdom, for example, we have little information about how many autistic people enrol at UK-based higher education institutions, their backgrounds, the academic programmes they study and what they do once they have graduated. Our study tries to explore these issues by comparing outcomes between autistic students, other disabled students and non-disabled students. We use population data collected by the Higher Education Statistical Agency in the United Kingdom, which included 1,326,416 graduates across the years 2012-2018. Our findings indicate that the degree subjects studied at university by autistic students are more diverse than often people think. We also found that graduates go on to work in a range of employment sectors following graduation but often experience worse outcomes in terms of access to full-time work and worse pay. We argue that universities and colleges must focus greater attention on developing better employment transition support for autistic students and graduates.
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Chandrasekhar T, Hu Q. Meeting the mental health needs of autistic college students: a survey of university and college counseling center clinicians. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024; 72:40-46. [PMID: 34905721 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2021.2013239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE University and college counseling centers (UCCCs) are a front-line support for the mental health needs of autistic students, though little is known about clinician attitudes, comfort level, and training in autism. PARTICIPANTS 89 UCCC clinicians were recruited via email listservs. METHODS The authors developed a survey which assessed attitudes, comfort level, and training in autism. RESULTS The majority of clinicians (82.0%, n = 73) had interacted with autistic students in the past year, and reported high levels of comfort with treating anxiety and depression. However, a smaller number reported confidence in their ability to diagnose autism. Training on autism emerged as an important deficit, as 31.5% of the clinicians denied receiving training either in their educational program or the UCCC. CONCLUSIONS In this pilot study, clinicians reported a discrepancy between self-reported levels of comfort with autistic college students and past training, highlighting continuing education as an important area for future intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Chandrasekhar
- Duke Counseling and Psychological Services, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Qin Hu
- Duke Counseling and Psychological Services, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Kim SA, Baczewski L, Pizzano M, Kasari C, Sturm A. Discrimination and Harassment Experiences of Autistic College Students and Their Neurotypical Peers: Risk and Protective Factors. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:4521-4534. [PMID: 36103077 PMCID: PMC10627989 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05729-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
This study examines autistic and non-autistic college students' experiences of discrimination and harassment and identifies protective and risk factors. A nationwide survey was used to match autistic students (N = 290) and non-autistic students (N = 290) on co-occurring diagnoses and demographic characteristics. Multiple regression and interaction analysis revealed that faculty support was protective against discrimination and harassment regardless of autism status. Habits of mind was particularly protective for autistic students against harassment. Any student who engaged in school-facilitated events was more likely to experience discrimination and harassment, but the risk was heightened for autistic students. Findings highlight the importance of faculty support in fostering positive interpersonal experiences on campus, and demonstrate the need to address deeper college campus issues with respect to neurodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohyun An Kim
- Center for Dyslexia, Diverse Learners, and Social Justice, University of California Los Angeles, 3005B Moore Hall, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1521, USA.
- Charter College of Education, California State University Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA.
| | - Lauren Baczewski
- Department of Education, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Maria Pizzano
- Department of Education, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Connie Kasari
- Department of Education, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Alexandra Sturm
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
- Department of Psychological Science, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, USA
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Shevchuk-Hill S, Szczupakiewicz S, Kofner B, Gillespie-Lynch K. Comparing narrative writing of autistic and non-autistic College students. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:3901-3915. [PMID: 35927514 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05516-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
We compared short stories by autistic (n = 19) and non-autistic (n = 23) university students. We used automated software and content analysis to code students' stories. We found that writings were more similar than different. However, autistic students' stories were rated at a higher reading level (p = .013) than non-autistic students'. Autistic students' stories contained fewer grammatical errors (p = .02) but were less likely to include a climax (p = .026). Autistic students reported more positive writing affect than non-autistic students (p = .026). Higher writing affect was associated with writing highly fictional texts (p = .03) that contained more sentences (p = .005). Findings suggest writing may be a strength for autistic students and opportunities to write creatively may promote positive affect toward writing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Shevchuk-Hill
- Department of Psychology, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, 2800 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, 10314, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Shana Szczupakiewicz
- Department of Psychology, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, 2800 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, 10314, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bella Kofner
- Department of Psychology, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, 2800 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, 10314, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kristen Gillespie-Lynch
- Department of Psychology, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, 2800 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, 10314, New York, NY, USA
- Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, USA
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Hotez E, Hudson S. Expanding on "Screening, Diagnosis, and Intervention for Autism: Experiences of Black and Multiracial Families Seeking Care" to Support BIPOC Autistic Postsecondary Students. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:3717-3721. [PMID: 37178427 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06001-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Hotez
- Department of General Internal Medicine / Health Services Research, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), David Geffen School of Medicine, 911 Broxton Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Shanice Hudson
- Hood Medicine Initiative, Inc, Indianapolis, IN, 46205, P.O. Box 55458, USA
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Rosenau KA, Hotez E, Fernandes P, Gomez C, Eagan K, Shea L, Kuo A. Anxiety and Depression in Autistic College Students: The Freshman Survey Results. Cureus 2023; 15:e35820. [PMID: 37033553 PMCID: PMC10075143 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.35820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Mental health among undergraduate students is a growing concern in higher education, but relatively little is known about the mental health of autistic college students. In order to better understand the unique needs of this population, the present study examines whether demographic and psychosocial correlates of anxiety and depression differ in autistic first-year college students and their non-autistic peers. Methods Secondary data analysis was conducted utilizing population-weighted data of full-time college students in their first year attending four-year colleges and universities in 2016, 2018, and 2019. Autistic and non-autistic students who self-identified as having frequent anxiety or depression were compared in terms of demographic characteristics, physical and emotional health, and academic aspirations and achievement. Results The majority of first-year students with frequent anxiety or depression in this sample tended to be white and had parents who completed a bachelor's degree or went to graduate school, with higher rates of male students in the autistic group. While autistic college freshmen with frequent anxiety or depression self-report lower overall quality of physical health (below average or lowest 10% reported by 57.3% vs. 37.1%) and higher rates of learning disabilities (25.3% vs. 4.6%) and psychological disorders (62.3% vs. 29.3%), these students also tend to outperform their non-autistic peers on standardized academic testing. Conclusion As autistic students are investing in themselves through their education and future careers, practitioners and researchers alike should be investing in accessible physical and mental health services in order to help set autistic students up for success in college and beyond.
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Dwyer P, Mineo E, Mifsud K, Lindholm C, Gurba A, Waisman T. Building Neurodiversity-Inclusive Postsecondary Campuses: Recommendations for Leaders in Higher Education. AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD 2023; 5:1-14. [PMID: 36941859 PMCID: PMC10024274 DOI: 10.1089/aut.2021.0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Dwyer
- Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Department of Psychology, UC Davis, Davis, California, USA
- Address correspondence to: Patrick Dwyer, MA, PhD Candidate, Center for Mind and Brain, UC Davis, 267 Cousteau Place, Davis, CA 95618, USA
| | - Erica Mineo
- College of Biological Sciences, UC Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Kristin Mifsud
- Department of Political Science, UC Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | | | - Ava Gurba
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - T.C. Waisman
- Adapt Coaching & Training, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Roux AM, Shea LL, Steinberg H, Rast JE, Anderson KA, Hotez E, Rosenau K, Kuo A, Assing-Murray E, Shattuck PT. Evidence from the Autism Transitions Research Project (2017-2022): Capstone review and services research recommendations. Autism Res 2023; 16:480-496. [PMID: 36622799 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Few funding sources have explicitly supported systems-wide research to identify mechanisms for improving access, service delivery, outcomes and wellbeing for autistic transition-age youth and young adults. We aimed to integrate findings from research produced through a five-year federal Autism Transition Research Project (ATRP) cooperative agreement. This capstone review sought to: (1) map the body of scientific evidence that emerged from this federal award, and (2) identify remaining evidence gaps to inform future autism transition services research. We used scoping review methods to assess 31 ATRP-funded published scientific studies. We charted study characteristics, topical domains, socio-ecological levels of variables, focus on equity, and inclusion of autistic participants. We evaluated how these topics were addressed across studies to identify continued gaps in the evidence base. Compared to prior published reviews and research agendas, we found improvements in characterization of study participants, broader examination of socio-ecological correlates, and examination of multiple outcome domains. However, we also identified continued deficits in inclusion of autistic study participants, use of multisectoral data, and research with a strong focus on equity. Our recommended priorities for autism transition services research to facilitate healthy life outcomes and wellbeing included: continued analysis of population-level data and improved data infrastructure; development of service delivery methods and interventions that target marginalized groups; expanded research to inform improvements in the performance and coordination of complex service ecosystems that interface with autistic youth; and bolstering the roles of autistic research participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M Roux
- A. J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lindsay L Shea
- A. J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Hillary Steinberg
- A. J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jessica E Rast
- A. J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kristy A Anderson
- School of Social Work, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Emily Hotez
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kashia Rosenau
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Alice Kuo
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Evva Assing-Murray
- Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, Rockville, Maryland, USA
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Oredipe T, Kofner B, Riccio A, Cage E, Vincent J, Kapp SK, Dwyer P, Gillespie-Lynch K. Does learning you are autistic at a younger age lead to better adult outcomes? A participatory exploration of the perspectives of autistic university students. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023; 27:200-212. [PMID: 35404160 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221086700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT People learn they are autistic at different ages. We wanted to know if telling kids they are autistic earlier helps them feel better about their lives when they grow up. We are a team of autistic and non-autistic students and professors. Seventy-eight autistic university students did our online survey. They shared how they found out they were autistic and how they felt about being autistic. They also shared how they feel about their lives now. Around the same number of students learned they were autistic from doctors and parents. Students who learned they were autistic when they were younger felt happier about their lives than people who learned they were autistic when they were older. Students who learned they were autistic when they were older felt happier about being autistic when they first found out than people who did not have to wait as long. Our study shows that it is probably best to tell people they are autistic as soon as possible. The students who did our study did not think it was a good idea to wait until children are adults to tell them they are autistic. They said that parents should tell their children they are autistic in ways that help them understand and feel good about who they are.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomisin Oredipe
- College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, USA
| | - Bella Kofner
- College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, USA
| | - Ariana Riccio
- The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Kristen Gillespie-Lynch
- College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, USA.,The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, USA
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Fernandes P, Timmerman J, Hotez E, Haley M, Reyes A, Ferguson F, Kuo A. A Residency Program Curriculum to Improve Health Care Transitions for Autistic Individuals. Pediatrics 2022; 149:185648. [PMID: 35363293 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-049437u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Physical and mental health outcomes of autistic individuals deteriorate during transition to adulthood. The study aims to identify opportunities to improve physician knowledge in health-care transitions (HCT) for autistic individuals by understanding perceived versus experienced facilitators and barriers in overall HCT curriculum implementation in graduate medical education. METHODS Medicine-Pediatrics program directors participated in a Health Care Transition Residency Curriculum Collaborative Improvement Network and used an iterative process to develop and improve HCT curricula. Pre- and postcollaborative semistructured interviews were administered to program directors. The study occurred over 9 months (July 2018-February 2019). Recurring interview themes were analyzed utilizing Dedoose qualitative coding software and presented utilizing percentages and proportions. RESULTS Most program directors developed curricula in response to a gap in their current transition curricula. All program directors partially or completely met their goals during the collaborative. The most common types of curricular delivery were didactic (65%) and clinical experience-based (53%). Some tested unique delivery platforms, like the electronic medical record system (29%) and online modules (24%). Program directors often involved residents in the curricular development process and overwhelmingly (65%) felt this was a major facilitator. Competing priorities of faculty (71%) and of residents (53%) were the most common barriers. CONCLUSIONS Gaps in HCT curricula delivery were primarily attributed to suboptimal health care systems where training occurs, though existing clinical experiences and diverse learning modalities were successfully leveraged. Using a quality improvement framework and actively engaging resident trainees in curriculum development were successful strategies programs used in the development of HCT curricula.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Emily Hotez
- Division of Medicine-Pediatrics, Departments of Medicine
| | - Madeline Haley
- Division of Medicine-Pediatrics, Departments of Medicine
| | - Angela Reyes
- Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Alice Kuo
- Division of Medicine-Pediatrics, Departments of Medicine.,Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
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Baczewski LM, Pizzano M, Kasari C, Sturm A. Adjustment Across the First College Year: A Matched Comparison of Autistic, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and Neurotypical Students. AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD 2022; 4:12-21. [PMID: 36605567 PMCID: PMC8992914 DOI: 10.1089/aut.2021.0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Although the number of autistic students attending higher education has grown substantially in recent decades, little is known about factors that support their retention and persistence in college. First-year experiences and adaptability to the college environment greatly impact students' decisions to remain enrolled. Despite the importance of first-year adjustment to persistence and retention, few studies have examined the adjustment experiences of first-year autistic students compared to those of matched nonautistic students. Methods This study used national survey data to compare the first-year college adjustment experiences of 222 freshmen, including 74 self-identified autistic students, 74 students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and 74 students without diagnoses (referred to as neurotypical; NT), matched on mental health and demographic characteristics. Students were compared on measures of academic, social, emotional, and institutional adjustment at the end of freshman year. Separate general linear models were used to investigate predictors of positive self-reported first-year adjustment. Results Autistic students reported significantly lower levels of social self-confidence than their NT and ADHD peers at the end of freshman year. On all other adjustment domains, students in the autism, ADHD, and NT groups did not significantly differ. Autistic students were not significantly different from their ADHD and NT peers in terms of satisfaction with their college experience or sense of belonging to their institution. Social factors, including social self-confidence and ease of making friends, emerged as important contributors to positive first-year adjustment outcomes across all groups. Conclusions When controlling for demographic factors and mental health characteristics entering college, autistic students do not significantly differ from their NT and ADHD peers on several domains of college adjustment. Future studies should further investigate the impact of mental health and student characteristics on college trajectories and outcomes for autistic students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M. Baczewski
- Department of Education, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Address correspondence to: Lauren M. Baczewski, MA, Department of Education, University of California, Los Angeles, 760 Westwood Plaza, Rm: 68-268, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Maria Pizzano
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Connie Kasari
- Department of Education, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Alexandra Sturm
- Department of Psychology, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Cheriyan C, Shevchuk-Hill S, Riccio A, Vincent J, Kapp SK, Cage E, Dwyer P, Kofner B, Attwood H, Gillespie-Lynch K. Exploring the Career Motivations, Strengths, and Challenges of Autistic and Non-autistic University Students: Insights From a Participatory Study. Front Psychol 2021; 12:719827. [PMID: 34744884 PMCID: PMC8568013 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.719827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Supports for the growing number of autistic university students often focus on helping them succeed in university. However, even educated autistic people experience discrimination and other challenges which can make it very difficult for them to obtain meaningful jobs. Little remains known about how universities can better support their autistic students and alumni in overcoming barriers to meaningful employment. In this participatory study, a team of autistic and non-autistic researchers asked autistic (n = 92) and non-autistic (n = 774) university students about their career aspirations, strengths they believe will help them succeed in their "dream jobs," and obstacles they expect to encounter. Autistic participants' top goal in attending college was to improve their career prospects. However, relatively few autistic students reported learning career-specific skills at university. Autistic students were more likely to seek an academic job and less likely to seek a career in healthcare than non-autistic students. Autistic students highlighted writing skills and detail orientation as strengths that could help them succeed in their dream jobs more often than non-autistic students. However, they were also more likely to expect discrimination, social, and psychological difficulties to stand in the way of their dream jobs. These findings suggest that universities should prioritize experiential learning opportunities to help autistic (and non-autistic) students develop employment-related skills while providing mental health supports. Universities should demonstrate their commitment to supporting diverse learners by seeking out and hiring autistic professionals and by teaching their own staff and employers how to appreciate and support autistic colleagues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinnu Cheriyan
- College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, Staten Island, NY, United States
| | - Sergey Shevchuk-Hill
- College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, Staten Island, NY, United States
| | - Ariana Riccio
- The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jonathan Vincent
- School of Education, Language and Psychology, York St John University, York, United Kingdom
| | - Steven K. Kapp
- Department of Psychology, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Eilidh Cage
- Department of Psychology, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick Dwyer
- Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Bella Kofner
- College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, Staten Island, NY, United States
| | - Helen Attwood
- School of Education, Language and Psychology, York St John University, York, United Kingdom
| | - Kristen Gillespie-Lynch
- College of Staten Island, The City University of New York, Staten Island, NY, United States
- The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
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