Social and Academic Experiences of Autistics in UK Colleges. Are yours similar?
I found this article published in 2019, quite recent, I must say, where Gurbuz and his team investigated and reported the social and academic experiences of autistic university students in the UK. What I’d like to know is whether these findings resonate with you, that is graduates or current college students with autism. By resonate, I mean, do you have similar experiences? Do you agree with the findings? Do the findings make sense to you?
First, let me tell you a little bit about the background and rationale for this study.
REASON FOR THE STUDY: There is an increasing number of students with autism enrolling in universities, BUT less than 40% of autistic students successfully complete their studies, according to research teams like Vanbergeijk et al. (2008) and Newman et al. (2011). So Gurbuz and his team wanted to get a better understanding of why such a low percent of Autistics graduate, what their needs and challenges are, and propose recommendations for better support. But I wonder, how does this rate of 40% compare? Hmm… Actually, the average is 60% over a 6 year study period (US stats) (If you want to know more and are into statistics, check out National Center for Education Statistics). So, 40% vs. 60% is a substantial difference! But still, not too bad, given the average graduation rate is only 60%.
METHODS AND PARTICIPANTS: 26 autistic students and 158 non-autistic students enrolled at UK universities given an online questionnaire related to social and academic experiences. Additionally, the autistic students were interviewed.
Word of caution: Comparing 26 autistics to 158 non-autistics may affect data analysis … and the authors did acknowledge this, but this is the reality; there are fewer autistics to recruit for research studies. Still better this than nothing. Findings still give us a better understanding of the challenges and needs and what supports to provide.
One thing I would like to have seen more of in this study is some sort of analysis by program. The researchers were able to recruit participants from undergraduate, MA, and PhD programs. What I would like to know is whether the challenges are less for autistics in the post-graduate programs and also, whether the challenges between autistics and non-autistics reduce in post-graduate programs (MA, PhD). I suspect that they would.
Nevertheless, the findings from this study are informative. Here are some:
FINDINGS: Not surprisingly, based on the online survey, Gurbuz and his team found that compared to the non-autistic students, those with autism had significantly lower scores both in social and academic experiences, and with some strengths.
CHALLENGES
More difficulties in socialising and making friends
Less involved in social activities
Preferred to be alone
Did not believe that their relationships with others were as meaningful
More adjustment problems
More frequent thoughts of withdrawal
Difficulties with academic motivation
Less confident to cope with the future challenges
STRENGTHS
Had similar motivation to form friendships
Reported enjoyment in their academic work
Good academic grades
Believed they had the necessary academic skills to succeed
Like I said, these findings are not surprising. Quite a few previous studies have demonstrated similar findings. For me, the strengths of this paper were themes, excerpts and examples from the interviews; they give insight into the HOW and the WHY … Here are just two of many quotes given in the article:
“The sheer quantity of new things (especially new people) causes brain overload and anxiety. I find many everyday activities more difficult and stressful than other people do, but this is not always obvious to those around me.”
“Understand that people with ASD won’t necessarily ask for help when they need it, either because they don’t know how to or they don’t know that they should”
Some examples of challenges identified from the interviews:
Difficulty expressing themselves
Limited awareness of their problems and self-advocacy; i.e., they had trouble seeking the help they needed
Finding social activities unpredictable and anxiety provoking
Hard to find people with similar interests
Difficulty coping with noisy environments in the campus
Harder to calm in new environments
Difficulty building new routines
Daily activities can be very stressful and anxiety eliciting
Mental health challenges
Feelings of stigmatization
Lack of understanding of their challenges and needs by others
Need of guidance and clearer instructions
Not knowing how to pace
Managing group work and supervisor relationships
Critical/creative thinking; not knowing to pace
So what next … Gurbuz and his team do give some recommendations … BUT what would you recommend?
Do comment:
Have you experienced similar challenges?
How did you cope?
What would you recommend for others with autism, and for college support?