How to Help Autistic College Students Succeed: Tips for Parents
The journey to college can be both exhilarating and challenging for any student, but when it comes to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it brings a unique set of considerations. As parents, your role in supporting your college-bound autistic child is vital. Here, we delve into the key messages and strategies to help you prepare your child for this significant transition.
What can you do to facilitate success?
Let’s examine findings from a research, by Alverson and his team, published in 2019.
What did Alverson and his team actually do?
They investigated the high school to college experiences of young adults diagnosed with Asperger's (now referred to as Autism: Level 1).
Why did they want to do this?
Well, they felt there was a gap in the existing research on this topic, were concerned that more understanding about ASD college students’ challenges is needed, and provided additional tips.
What’s already known about ASD college students’ enrolment and completion rate?
The rate of postsecondary enrolment of ASD young adults within 8 years after high school is only at 44% vs. peers without disabilities at 67% (Newman et al., 2011).
ASD young adults have a completion rate of only 39% vs. peers without disabilities at 52% (Newman et al., 2011).
The rate of postsecondary enrolment and completion of ASD young adults is also lower than other young adults with other disabilities (Newman et al., 2011).
So, in other words, young adults with autism are less likely to enroll in college and less likely to complete college than students with disabilities in general. So why is that? Good question, right? And what can parents of college autistics do? Another good question, right?
Let’s see if Alverson and his team help answer these questions.
Their METHODOLOGY: They used a slightly different approach from just questionnaires … they interviewed young adults with AS in transition from high school to college (only 5, but really, they got detailed information) over a 6- to 12-month time period after enrolment in college. And these researchers went beyond … they also interviewed and gave questionnaires to their family members, teachers, and rehabilitation counsellors/special education teachers from before college … AND they also reviewed special education records from high school. SO … all this allowed a much more comprehensive understanding of factors.
Now, for some of the FINDINGS …
Factors which influence initial enrolment and persistence in college … AND … implications for parents
1) Providing the right kind of parental support
Provide the right kind of family support
Parents need to be involved in facilitating skills development. The key word here is facilitating. The researchers called these parents “middle ground” families. Facilitation means giving guidance and encouraging independent skills through, for example, modelling. This helps develop skills and confidence to navigate the college environment.
This is in contrast to:
Hands-off - these families expect the ASD student to manage on their own or delegate this responsibility to paid service providers. And these students miss out on many learning opportunities.
Controlling – these families “took over” all aspects of the ASD student including making decisions about enrolment and goals. As you might predict, these autistic students had less independence, motivation and ability to manage college.
2) Providing a set of transition-focussed skills while still in high school
Know how to navigate college experiences
Developing skills to help your autistic child adapt to expectations of college
Teach strategies on filling college applications, applying for financial aid, prepare for entrance exams, to name a few. Once in college, students can apply these skills to enrol in classes, fill forms, request for help, prepare for tests, and so on.
Facilitate development of post-school goals aligned with their interests; Alverson and his team found that determination to meet personal goals and gain skills for later employment seemed to motivate and to continue on despite the many challenges
The key word is INTEREST … knowing what you’re interested in and having goals to achieve increases motivation to persist when things get challenging … so, parents, do encourage development of interest and goals. BUT … some parents might say, “They don’t have interests.” … Let me ask you, “Is that really possible?” … Perhaps their interest is not aligned to yours, and therefore not a “worthwhile” interest? Hmm … Anyway, we’ll leave further discussion of this for another blog. For the time being, just remember that having an interest and goals really help with internal motivation to enrol and persist in college. So do try and develop these
3) Developing self-awareness/disability awareness
Help your college autistic develop a deep personal awareness of their ASD; remember that ASD is a spectrum and individuals have their own set of strengths and challenges; and also their own way of coping. So, it’s not enough for parents and college autistics to just know the definition and generic traits of ASD. Help them develop awareness of their specific strengths and challenges!
Develop self-awareness/disability awareness
When someone knows their personal strengths and weaknesses, then they can predict what situations would be challenging for them and know which ones they are likely to experience success in.
Having this awareness of their strengths and interests can allow your college child with ASD to pursue and develop further their strengths. Perhaps, this might even turn into a lucrative career … or maybe not …
If we are clear about our challenges, then we have a choice to work on improving them. Alverson and his team found that the following challenges were experienced by all of the study participants, but the nature and extent of each varied.
Executive functioning skills
Social skills/socialization
Communication skills
So with each of these, you can help increase awareness of what aspect of the skill is a challenge; and how and when it impacts him/her. Then your child can choose what to do with their challenge.
Greater self-awareness and disability awareness often empower the autistic and increase the likelihood that they will advocate for themselves, perhaps by seeking help.
In this research, Alverson and his team found that those who had the most developed disability awareness understood the influence of their ASD on their academic and functional skills, and hence were better able to manage and persist in college.
So … what are the key messages parents?
Be Involved as a Middle-Ground Parent:
Your involvement in your child's college journey is crucial. However, it's essential to strike a balance between being overly protective and hands-off. Think of yourself as the middle-ground parent who provides the right level of support. Encourage independence while remaining a source of guidance and reassurance.
Preparation is the Key:
Preparing your autistic child for the challenges of college life is paramount. Begin early by equipping them with essential life skills such as time management, organization, and self-advocacy. Familiarize them with the college environment and the services available for students with disabilities. Encourage them to participate in transition programs and internships to gain valuable experience.
Consider creating a transition plan that outlines the steps your child needs to take before and during college. This plan can include setting academic goals, addressing social skills, and establishing routines to help your child navigate the demands of college successfully.
Deep Awareness of Strengths and Challenges:
One of the cornerstones of preparing an autistic student for college is fostering a deep awareness of their strengths and challenges. Encourage open and honest discussions with your child about their ASD and how it may impact their college experience. Help them identify their unique talents and interests, as well as any potential obstacles they may face.
By understanding their strengths, your child can leverage them to excel academically and socially. Conversely, recognizing their challenges allows them to seek appropriate support and accommodations. Colleges often have disability support services that can provide assistance tailored to your child's specific needs.
The Impact of ASD:
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a highly individualized condition, and its impact can vary greatly from person to person. Encourage your child to explore how ASD affects them personally. This self-awareness will empower them to communicate their needs effectively to professors, peers, and support services.
It's also important to educate your child's college instructors and advisors about their condition. By providing them with information about your child's strengths and challenges, you can foster a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.
In conclusion, the transition to college for an autistic student is a journey that requires careful planning, open communication, and ongoing support. As parents, your role is pivotal in helping your child navigate this exciting phase of their life. By being the middle-ground parent, prioritizing preparation, and fostering deep awareness, you can empower your autistic child to thrive academically and socially in the college setting.