What do the Records Say: Autism Spectrum Disorder and Higher Education

Abstract

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) report experiencing many difficulties associated with ASD and the pursuit of higher education. However, little research exists exploring how autistic individuals perform in college. We examined 34 years of data from a large, private, western university, and compared students with autism who registered their disability with disability services (n = 177) with matched peers on a number of academic record variables. Results indicate that students with ASD experienced less-favorable academic outcomes than their matched peers. They demonstrated more failing grades, were more likely to be put on academic discipline status, and demonstrated lower average GPA than their matched peers. Interestingly, autistic students who transferred to the university may have experienced somewhat better academic outcomes than students with autism who began their academic careers at the university. Although these findings are limited to a single institution, the detailed information regarding the academic records and experience of students with ASD compared to their matched peers is a valuable initial look at key learning experiences in a vulnerable population seeking equal opportunities for post-college careers. Future research can seek to replicate these findings as well as target sources of academic distress for students with ASD. Additionally, support programs at universities can investigate effectiveness of programming and services for autistic students.

Note:
Funding declaration: This research received no grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Conflict of Interests: none

Ethical Approval: Following approval from the institution’s Human Subjects Review Board, we searched the university database for all individuals who registered their diagnosis of ASD with the disabilities office (University Accessibility Center [UAC]) from 1984 through 2018.

Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder, higher education, Students, Transition, Accommodations, Academic Probation