Citation

Jackson SLJ, Hart L, Brown JT, Volkmar FR. J. Autism Dev. Disord. 2018; 48(3): 643-650.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s10803-017-3315-x

PMID

29022149

PMCID

PMC5826786

Abstract

Increasing numbers of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are enrolling in post-secondary academic institutions. However, research indicates that post-secondary students with ASD are struggling more than their typically developing peers, with high rates of loneliness, anxiety, depression, and an increased incidence of dropping-out before completion of their degrees. The current study utilized an online survey to gain insight into the self-reported academic, social, and mental health experiences of post-secondary students with ASD. Participants reported high levels of academic comfort, but struggled with issues of isolation/loneliness and high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Of greatest concern, were the nearly three-quarters of participants who reported lifetime suicidal behaviors. Further analysis on collected data and implications of findings are discussed.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Adult; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Universities; Students; Adolescent; Anxiety; Depression; Young Adult; Suicidal Ideation; Mental Health; Surveys and Questionnaires; Self Report; Mental health; Loneliness; Interpersonal Relations; Peer Group; Student; College; Autism spectrum disorder; University; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Asperger’s