Recent research from the study "Characteristics of Two-Year College Students on the Autism Spectrum and Their Support Services Experiences" has revealed valuable insights that can help practitioners enhance their support for students with autism. With over 80% of college-going youth with autism in the U.S. attending 2-year colleges, understanding their unique needs and experiences is crucial for improving their educational outcomes.
Here are some key takeaways and actionable strategies from the research:
- Early Identification and Transition Planning: High school experiences, such as active participation in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and extracurricular activities, are strong predictors of successful transitions to 2-year colleges. Encourage students to take an active role in their IEP meetings and engage in extracurricular activities to build self-determination skills.
- Customized Support Services: While less than half of students who disclosed their disability received accommodations, those who did reported human aides, testing accommodations, and physical adaptations as the most common supports. Ensure that students are aware of and utilize available services by fostering a supportive environment that encourages disclosure and self-advocacy.
- Parental Involvement: Parental expectations significantly influence whether students pursue postsecondary education. Educate parents about available college options and support resources to help them set realistic and positive expectations for their children.
- Addressing Functional Skills: Many students who attended 2-year colleges demonstrated mid-range functional and communication abilities. Focus on enhancing these skills through targeted interventions and practical life skills training.
- Extracurricular Participation: Encourage students to participate in extracurricular activities, which can provide opportunities to develop self-advocacy and social skills essential for college success.
For practitioners, it's important to continually seek out and implement evidence-based strategies to support students with autism in 2-year college settings. Future research should focus on identifying specific needs and effective supports to improve persistence and completion rates.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Characteristics of Two-Year College Students on the Autism Spectrum and Their Support Services Experiences
