Students on the autism spectrum and the transitional skills necessary for college

Abstract

This study examined the transitional life skills students with Autism and Asperger's need in order to succeed in college. Students with Autism and Asperger's can do well in college if they possess specific life skills. This information learned from researching literature led to the development of a handbook. The handbook contains specific life skills needed to succeed in college. It provides definitions of successful college students from different Disability Service Coordinators. Disability Service Coordinators from four different higher education institutions in Wisconsin were interviewed about what life skills they felt students with Autism and Asperger's needed to possess for college. Current college students on the Autism Spectrum were also interviewed for creation of the handbook. A main theme that emerged from the interviews was that self-advocacy is key for these students to do well in college. A second theme that emerged was that universities need to provide more accommodations to assist students on the Spectrum while they are in college.