Learning from the experts: Evaluating a participatory autism and universal design training for university educators

Reimagining Physician Assistant Education: Championing Cognitive Diversity to Promote Inclusivity, Neurodiversity Awareness, and a Sense of Belonging

ABSTRACT

Neurodiversity, encompassing conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and dyslexia, represents a significant and often under-recognized segment of the population, including within science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine fields like medicine. Neurodiverse individuals possess unique skills, including enhanced creativity, analytical thinking, and meticulous attention to detail, which are valuable in health care professions. However, failure to recognize and support these individuals can result in missed opportunities, social isolation, and mental health challenges. Despite a growing emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in higher education, neurodiversity is frequently overlooked, particularly in physician assistant (PA) education. This article examines the unique challenges faced by neurodiverse PA student learners and the existing literature gap regarding neurodiversity in PA education. It underscores the need for greater awareness, reduced stigma, and improved support systems. Recommendations include integrating neurodiversity into the PA curriculum, providing faculty training on inclusive teaching practices, and establishing tailored accommodations to foster a sense of belonging. PA programs can foster a more equitable health care system by creating inclusive learning environments that acknowledge and cater to the unique needs of neurodiverse student learners, thereby enhancing student-faculty interactions and promoting academic success. The aim of this article was to facilitate the reimagining of PA education to champion cognitive diversity. By promoting a more inclusive learning environment, PA programs can cultivate future clinicians who are better equipped to serve diverse patient populations.

Navigating Neurotypical Norms in Academic Research: A Perspective from an Autistic Early Career Researcher

Abstract

The academic research landscape, rich with complexity, reveals its potential for innovation when explored through a neurodiversity lens. This perspective article presents a nuanced examination of the unique strengths that autistic thinking brings to scholarly pursuits, such as enhanced pattern recognition and systematic rigor-qualities that have personally empowered my own grant writing endeavors. It also confronts the challenges that arise from the prevailing neurotypical standards within the academic milieu. Merging a scholarly review with selective personal insights, this article advocates for a redefinition of scholarly communication and mentorship that is inclusive of neurodiversity. I aim to provide insights and experiences that offer guidance to fellow autistic researchers, their mentors, research institutions, and funding bodies. Drawing from my perspective, I delve into communication complexities, the perennial struggle to conform to neurotypical writing standards, the weight of "imposter syndrome," and the pivotal role that mentors play in supporting and advocating for autistic early career researchers. The recommendations offered in this study aim to establish an academic environment that not only welcomes but also leverages the distinctive capabilities of autistic researchers. This perspective aspires to serve as a catalyst for mentors, colleagues, and funding bodies to embrace a more neuroinclusive approach in their practices.

Abstract

The purposes of this article were to highlight specific challenges and strengths of autistic researchers in academia, particularly in the context of grant writing and scholarly communication, and to offer actionable recommendations to foster a neuroinclusive academic environment. From my perspective as an autistic researcher who has navigated both the triumphs and trials of grant acquisition and publication, I offer a personal and professional vantage point. The insights drawn from these experiences shed light on the difficulties autistic researchers face and underline the need for systemic change.

Abstract

As an early career researcher, I find myself at a juncture, navigating not only the demands of the scholarly world but also life as a late-diagnosed autistic woman, who has journeyed through the labyrinthine world of grant writing. I offer a glimpse into my world, which includes successes with 2 federal grant awards, 1 foundation grant, 5 intramural grants, 14 peer-reviewed publications and unsuccessful attempts with 1 federal grant, 2 foundation grants, and 2 peer-reviewed articles. I bring a blend of personal experience and professional expertise.

Abstract

The current academic dialogue acknowledges neurodiversity but often falls short in offering the necessary structural support for the distinct communication styles and cognitive approaches of autistic researchers. Although there is a recognized benefit in mentorship and clearer communication within academia, the practical implementation varies widely.

Abstract

I propose a series of recommendations to bridge these gaps. These include the establishment of grant programs accessible to autistic researchers, the improvement of mentorship and training programs to include an appreciation for neurodiversity, and the education of grant reviewers about the strengths inherent in autistic researchers. In addition, the article suggests revising application processes to increase inclusivity, encouraging the participation of autistic researchers in peer review, promoting community engagement and networking opportunities, allocating funding specifically for research by autistic scientists, and enhancing collaboration with organizations dedicated to autism.

Abstract

The implementation of these recommendations has the potential to significantly improve the academic environment for autistic adults, not only enhancing their current academic engagement and success but also setting a foundation for inclusivity and respect for neurodiversity. Such systemic changes hold the promise of nurturing a future generation of autistic researchers, acknowledging and celebrating the unique insights we bring to the scientific community.

Positive Experiences in Postsecondary Education Among Autistic Youths in Hong Kong

Background

Autistic students may encounter different challenges and barriers in postsecondary education, but many also experience growth and positive development. Little is known about the positive aspects of their postsecondary experience, especially in non-Western countries.

Methods

Thirty autistic students from universities and colleges in Hong Kong participated in individual semi-structured interviews. We asked them to describe their positive experience in postsecondary education, including their enjoyment, memorable events, gains, and positive aspects. We analysed interview data using thematic analysis.

Results

We identified four major themes that depicted autistic students' positive experience in postsecondary education. Autistic students described effective teaching strategies and arrangements that could facilitate their learning and made postsecondary education settings more preferred than secondary school. They found different supportive people in the right niches, including peers, educators, and family members. They also developed themselves through participating in activities and learning experiences offered in postsecondary education settings, where they also found like-minded people. They regarded accommodations as something good to have but not always useful, and their user experience and effectiveness varied.

Conclusions

The findings highlight how autistic students can develop and thrive in postsecondary education. Recommendations are discussed for postsecondary institutions to create an accessible environment, provide enriching contexts, and support stakeholders to work with autistic students in ways that are conducive to their positive development. More research is needed to better understand how to support diverse autistic individuals in postsecondary institutions across different cultures.

Abstract

Many autistic youths going into universities or colleges find postsecondary education challenging, but there are also successful cases who have positive experiences going through postsecondary education. We know very little about their positive and successful experiences.

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the positive aspects of educational experiences in postsecondary education in autistic youths in Hong Kong.

Abstract

We interviewed 30 autistic students studying in universities or colleges in Hong Kong about their experiences in postsecondary education. We specifically analyzed and highlighted the portion of interviews that described their positive experiences.

Abstract

We found several themes that can describe the positive experiences of autistic students in postsecondary education in Hong Kong. Autistic students preferred the flexible teaching practices and free institution environments, especially compared with secondary school. Peers, families, professors, and professionals who are supportive, caring, and understanding were helpful to autistic students. Meaningful participation in activities typical of other postsecondary students could facilitate autistic students' personal growth. They also regarded academic accommodations as good to have, despite their unclear effectiveness.

Abstract

We know more about elements and factors of postsecondary education that can contribute to positive development in autistic youths. This study highlights cultural considerations that are unique to Hong Kong but can also serve as a reference for postsecondary institutions in other cultures.

Abstract

The findings from a sample in Hong Kong may not generalize to other cultures or countries. There may also be subgroup differences among youths in universities versus community colleges.

Abstract

Our findings can provide positive examples to show that autistic students can become successful and enjoy postsecondary education. Autistic youths can be better prepared for postsecondary education by advocate for their needs being met to support their positive development.

Changing Outcomes for Job Candidates with Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Benefits of Neurodiversity Training and ASD Disclosure

PURPOSE

Job interviews are often an integral component of the hiring process, but for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), job interviews can pose an unfair barrier to employment. Although employers may perceive candidates with ASD as qualified, they tend to reject those candidates in interviews because of atypical social interactions. This is true in situations in which evaluators are naïve to candidates' ASD diagnosis and have no training about neurodiversity. The present study explored whether diagnostic disclosure and/or increased ASD knowledge can reduce bias against ASD candidates.

METHODS

We included three conditions: Disclosure-Only, Training-Only, and Training + Disclosure. In all conditions, participants watched mock job interviews of candidates with and without ASD, rated each candidate on several social dimensions, and indicated how likely they were to hire each candidate. In the Disclosure-Only condition, participants were informed prior to each video whether each interviewee had ASD. In the Training-Only condition, participants first completed a neurodiversity training session before watching and evaluating the interviews. The Training + Disclosure condition combined these interventions.

RESULTS

In the Disclosure-Only and Training-Only conditions, candidates with ASD were rated less favorably on social dimensions and were less likely to be hired relative to neurotypical (NT) candidates. In the Training + Disclosure condition, ASD candidates were equally likely to be hired as NT candidates, despite receiving less favorable ratings on some social dimensions.

CONCLUSION

Combining knowledge of ASD with diagnostic disclosure improves hiring outcomes for individuals with ASD.

Recognizing and Resisting Ableist Language in Schools: Suggestions for School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists and Related Professionals

PURPOSE

The language that school professionals use to describe disabled students can reveal and perpetuate ableist assumptions. Professionals' language choices can also challenge ableist attitudes to help create more inclusive, equitable learning environments. This tutorial seeks to guide speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and other school professionals to identify ableist language, understand the ableist ideologies that such language reveals, and develop strategies to implement ways of communicating with and about disabled students that align with an anti-ableist stance. We offer a brief description of ableism in schools, describe models of disability and their varying alignments toward ableist ideologies, and identify ways in which language can reflect and perpetuate ableism. Using Individualized Education Program goals as an example, we examine the ways in which ableist language can manifest in school practices. Finally, we provide suggestions to guide SLPs and other school professionals to examine and change their language to better align with an anti-ableist stance.

CONCLUSIONS

School professionals' language use is not neutral and may reveal and maintain ableist assumptions about disability and disabled students. While dismantling ableism requires systemic change, we suggest that individual professionals can use language in ways that resist ableism and powerfully impact their students' educational experiences.

'Does that mean you will be violent?': A qualitative exploration into Autistic women's experiences of relationships with lecturers at university

LAY ABSTRACT

It is documented that more Autistic woman are becoming university students, but their experiences are not often explored. Eleven Autistic women students made artefacts (such as writing, paintings or poems) and took part in interviews to share their experiences at university. Five participants were undergraduate students and six participants were postgraduate students. The artefacts and words participants shared were looked at closely and some common themes were decided. How lecturers talk to Autistic women students was looked at. Participants said they were lucky if they met helpful lecturers. Also, autism acceptance was explored. Overall, how lecturers treat Autistic women at university is very important. Also, Autistic women students' opinions about making university a more welcoming place need to be listened to.

'It's a symbolic violence': Autistic people's experiences of discrimination at universities in Australia

LAY ABSTRACT

Autistic students experience many challenges at university. One significant barrier identified in past research was autistic students' experiences of discrimination (i.e. being treat differently) and stigma (being judged differently). Our research team included both autistic and non-autistic researchers who designed a project to help explore autistic students' experiences of stigma and discrimination at Australian universities. We interviewed 21 autistic students who went to a university - some had completed qualifications, and some had not. From our interviews, we identified four themes: (1) 'My disability is something that people just don't have a clue about', (2) 'the system is really stacked against you', (3) the onus is on autistic students, and (4) 'grit and stubbornness'. As a result, we recommended changes in the way courses are written and taught so that autistic people have opportunities that meet their ways of learning. It is also important for university staff to understand the impact of trauma experienced by autistic people and that universities work together with autistic people to design courses and supports that include autistic ways of learning, accessible university processes and identify support needs.

A Comparison of Autistic and Non-Autistic College Students' Perceived Challenges and Engagement in Self-Advocacy

PURPOSE

Autistic students experience lower college graduation rates than their peers, affecting future opportunities. Self-advocacy is crucial for successful adaptation in postsecondary settings and is documented as a challenge for autistic students. The purpose of the study was to examine autistic college students' engagement in self-advocacy and specific college-related challenges as compared to their neurodivergent and neurotypical peers.

METHOD

This study used a cross-sectional survey design to compare perceptions related to self-advocacy and college-related challenges across three groups of students: autistic students, students with a disability other than autism, and nondisabled students. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to compare survey responses across groups.

RESULTS

Differences in the groups' perceptions of their engagement in overall self-advocacy and specific self-advocacy strategies were evident. Autistic students rated themselves significantly lower on self-advocacy than did students with other disabilities. When compared to their nondisabled peers, the autistic students and those with other disabilities were less likely to report comfort interacting in the classroom, including less interest in group work, and more difficulty interacting with unfamiliar peers. In addition, the autistic students were more likely to report difficulty recognizing the need for academic assistance when compared to both peer groups. Autistic students also reported greater social challenges in the college setting than their nondisabled peers, and both neurodivergent groups of students reported significantly more challenges, overall, navigating the college setting than did their nondisabled peers.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings highlight the need for systematic, individualized self-advocacy supports for autistic and other neurodivergent college students. In addition, findings show the need to educate peers and professors about autism and self-advocacy to foster a welcoming college environment. Finally, findings suggest the need for increased social support and opportunities for social integration within postsecondary settings. Speech-language pathologists play a critical role in implementing these next steps.

A guide to establishing, implementing, and optimizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) committees

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) efforts are increasingly recognized as critical for the success of academic institutions. These efforts are facilitated mainly through the formation of dedicated DEIA committees. DEIA committees enhance professional development and create a more inclusive environment, which benefits all members of the institution. Although leadership and faculty membership have recognized the importance and necessity of DEIA, the roles of DEIA committees may be more ambiguous. Although leadership and faculty may seek to support DEIA at their institutions, they may not always fully understand the necessity of these committees or how to successfully create a committee, foster and promote its success, and sustain its impact. Thus, here, we offer a background rationale and guide for strategically setting up DEIA committees for success and impact within an academic institution with applicability to scientific societies.

A dual design thinking - universal design approach to catalyze neurodiversity advocacy through collaboration among high-schoolers

Introduction

Neurodiversity describes the fact that humans all have different brains with unique qualities that contribute to society. Though understanding of neurodiversity is gaining traction among the general public, there remains considerable stigma and prejudice toward neurodiverse people. One way to combat these issues is to teach individuals about neurodiversity and encourage them to develop advocacy skills. Development of such knowledge is especially important for adolescents, as they have the capacity to make small (e.g., interpersonal interactions) and large (e.g., school-wide) impacts.

Methods

Eighty-nine high schoolers participated in a two-week virtual summer camp in 2022; research consent/assent was obtained from 19 (11 neurodiverse/neurodivergent). Campers learned about neurodiversity, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and Design Thinking (DT) through lectures from researchers and neurodivergent people, as well as group activities and discussions. Campers worked in small groups to design a neurodiversity advocacy project based on the principles of UDL and DT. Each group was facilitated by camp counselors-some of whom were neurodiverse-who were all committed to neurodiversity advocacy. Participants completed questionnaires about autism, ADHD, and dyslexia pre- and post-camp. Some also completed optional post-camp interviews.

Results

Pre-camp stigma toward neurodiverse conditions was generally low. However, autism stigma was significantly higher than dyslexia stigma (Z = -2.24, p = 0.025). After camp, autism stigma decreased (Z = -2.98, p = 0.003;) and autism [t(13) = 3.17, p = 0.007] and ADHD [t(13) = 2.87, p = 0.013] knowledge improved. There were no significant changes in ADHD or dyslexia stigma or dyslexia knowledge. Participants reported enjoying collaborating with other campers and learning about UDL and DT. Thematic analysis of interviews generated four themes: Increased Understanding of Neurodiversity; Increasing Empathy and Becoming Less Judgmental; Creating a Neurodiverse Community; and More Awareness is Needed.

Discussion

This pilot investigation suggests that a virtual summer camp can be effective in improving attitudes toward and knowledge of neurodiversity. Qualitative analysis indicated participants became more accepting after the camp, both in terms of being less judgmental toward neurodiverse people and more self-accepting among neurodivergent campers. Future research should investigate the long-term effects of such a program, particularly with diverse samples of students.

Stigma and knowledge about autism in Brazil: A psychometric and intervention study

LAY ABSTRACT

To promote the full inclusion of autistic people, we must change the knowledge and attitudes of non-autistic individuals. Unfortunately, access to autism information and support remains limited in Brazil, and stigma is also common. Brazilian researchers reached out to a researcher in the United States to co-develop Brazilian surveys to measure autism stigma and knowledge. Together, they made Brazilian versions of stigma and knowledge surveys which autistic people in the United States had helped make. They also adapted an online autism training used in other countries with help from three Brazilian autistic people and the mother of an autistic child. They used the new measures to see if the autism training improved autism stigma and knowledge among Brazilians. The surveys, called EARPA and ECAT in Brazil, were translated into Portuguese in a previous study. In the first study in this article, 532 Brazilians completed the stigma measure and 510 completed the knowledge measure. The researchers used exploratory graph analysis, which uses the connections between items in a survey to understand which items belong together. Seventy-nine Brazilians participated in the training. They were mostly white, female university students. The EGA showed that the stigma survey measured one big idea while the knowledge survey measured four ideas: diagnosis/cause; socio-communicative development; stimming and special interests; and autism in adulthood. Both scales are promising and may be helpful in future Brazilian and cross-cultural studies about autism. Participants reported more knowledge and less stigma after the autism training, which has been found in other countries too.

Discrimination and Harassment Experiences of Autistic College Students and Their Neurotypical Peers: Risk and Protective Factors

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.

Mental health challenges faced by autistic people

Mental health challenges impede the well-being of autistic people. This Review outlines contributing neurodevelopmental and physical health conditions, rates and developmental trajectories of mental health challenges experienced by autistic people, as well as unique clinical presentations. A framework is proposed to consider four contributing themes to aid personalized formulation: social-contextual determinants, adverse life experiences, autistic cognitive features, and shared genetic and early environmental predispositions. Current evidence-based and clinical-knowledge-informed intervention guidance and ongoing development of support are highlighted for specific mental health areas. Tailored mental health support for autistic people should be neurodivergence-informed, which is fundamentally humanistic and compatible with the prevailing bio-psycho-social frameworks. The personalized formulation should be holistic, considering physical health and transdiagnostic neurodevelopmental factors, intellectual and communication abilities, and contextual-experiential determinants and their interplay with autistic cognition and biology, alongside resilience. Supporting family well-being is integral. Mutual empathic understanding is fundamental to creating societies in which people across neurotypes are all empowered to thrive.

Evaluation of an Autism Training in a Much-Needed Context: The Case of France

Background

Autistic people in France have called for community education to reduce autism stigma. As such, training is needed to help university students appreciate autistic peers and autistic people they may work with in their future careers.

Methods

We adapted an autistic-affirming training from a training developed in other cultural contexts and evaluated it with 107 university students in France using a pretest-post-test design.

Results

Questionnaire responses suggested that our brief online training helped improve attitudes toward inclusion, autism knowledge, and stigma among future educators and psychologists in France. Participants' open-ended definitions of autism revealed increased alignment with the neurodiversity movement after training.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that wider-scale autistic-led adaptations of autism trainings like the one described in this report could begin to ameliorate autism stigma in France.

Explicit stigma and implicit biases toward autism in South Korea versus the United States

This cross-cultural study examined Koreans’ and Americans’ explicit stigma and implicit biases toward autism to examine potential mechanisms underlying recent evidence for heightened explicit autism stigma in South Korea relative to the United States. This evidence is somewhat at odds with other evidence that individuals living in collectivistic cultures such as South Korea may be more prone to present themselves favorably than those living in relatively individualistic cultures such as the United States. A total 224 American and 536 Korean non-autistic adult participants completed an online survey. Implicit biases were measured using the implicit association test. Koreans reported greater explicit stigma and exhibited more implicit biases toward autism than Americans. Explicit stigma was not correlated with implicit biases in either country. Less autism knowledge and pleasant contact with autistic people predicted greater explicit stigma among both Koreans and Americans. Less frequent contact and heightened assimilation ideology toward ethnic minorities predicted greater stigma only among Koreans. The variance in implicit biases explained by predictors was small, emphasizing the need for follow-up research investigating predictors of implicit biases. Informing Koreans about the shortcomings of assimilationist approaches and fostering an appreciation of the plurality of cultures may reduce stigma toward autistic individuals in South Korea.

Lay abstract

How people report their feelings about autism may be different from how they actually think about autism because some people may not want to reveal their true feelings. People who value the group’s goal tend to present themselves as more socially acceptable than people who value one person’s interests. We studied how people in South Korea and the United States report their feelings about autism and think about autism. Koreans tend to value the group’s goals. Americans tend to prefer one person’s goals. Koreans reported that they wanted more space from autistic people than Americans did. Koreans were more likely to think about autism with negative words (and think more negatively about autism). How Koreans and Americans report their feelings about autism was not related to their thoughts about autism. People who knew about autism and liked meeting with autistic people wanted to get closer to autistic people in South Korea and the US, Koreans who had met autistic people and thought that people who newly came to Korea from abroad should be more like Koreans did not want to get very close to autistic people. This could be because very few foreign people live in South Korea compared to the United States. Teaching Koreans that all cultures have values and should be appreciated will help them like autistic people more.