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01-06-2015 | Original Paper

Higher Education Experiences of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Challenges, Benefits and Support Needs

Auteurs: Valérie Van Hees, Tinneke Moyson, Herbert Roeyers

Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders | Uitgave 6/2015

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Abstract

The transition into higher education constitutes a precarious life stage for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Research on how students with ASD navigate college life is needed for the development of adequate support. This study investigated the challenges and support needs of 23 students with ASD in higher education through semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed following the principles of Grounded Theory. Students faced difficulties with new situations and unexpected changes, social relationships, problems with information processing and time management and had doubts about disclosure. Facing these challenges simultaneously in the domains of education, student life and daily (independent) living, had a major impact on students’ well being. Besides these challenges, students also reported benefits that contributed to success in the three domains. They pointed out to a set of recommendations for support. These findings are linked with previous research and implications for higher education institutions are extrapolated on the basis of these findings.
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Metagegevens
Titel
Higher Education Experiences of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Challenges, Benefits and Support Needs
Auteurs
Valérie Van Hees
Tinneke Moyson
Herbert Roeyers
Publicatiedatum
01-06-2015
Uitgeverij
Springer US
Gepubliceerd in
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders / Uitgave 6/2015
Print ISSN: 0162-3257
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-3432
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-014-2324-2