SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IN HIGHER EDUCATION

This scholarly delivery focused on students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) entering higher education. The whole delivery was comprised of two parts. First was a case study focused on a girl with ASD on the verge of the transition to higher education and the choices that the education system forced her to make in terms of support. Second was an empirical study that aimed to analyze support structures and the impact these supports had on the lived experiences of students with ASD in higher education. The study used a literature review, semi-structured interviews, and qualitative coding methods to identify three areas of support: Academic, social, and familial. The research revealed an interconnectedness of support structures with multiple implications for future researchers, educators, and students.