Bücher von Annie Tasha

Clinicians and academics have been attempting to understand the college experience of students living with Asperger's Disorder. Absent in this pursuit are the direct opinions and perspectives from the students themselves. This study captured the personal accounts of the beginning college experience for students living with Asperger's Disorder who were participating in a specialized academic and social support program. In an effort to frame this study, college student development theories, critical disability theory, and the medical diagnostic understanding of Asperger's Disorder are discussed. A qualitative research design incorporating interview methodology was utilized. Four students participated in one or two interviews where they were asked questions that pertained to their academic and social college experiences in relation to the specialized support program and pursuits outside of the program. I hope that the outcomes of this study will contribute to the literature about college students living with Asperger's Disorder, and advance the discourse regarding college student development theory in regard to individuals with developmental disabilities. In addition, it is my expectation to inform higher education practice as student affairs personnel plan for the growing numbers of students on their campuses living with Asperger's Disorder.

Students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder are almost twenty percent less likely than their non-autistic peers to graduate college (White et al., 2017). The diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, can be a significant facet of personal identity for many individuals on the spectrum. Due to this, disclosure of diagnoses can be a deeply personal decision and can be situational. Because college-age students on the spectrum are forming an identity concerning their diagnosis (Bent et al, 2016; Cox et al., 2017), peer social distancing behaviors are an important factor in student confidence and academic success. Researchers completed this study to determine if social distancing behaviors of college students were influenced by a disclosure of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Students from a medium-sized southeastern university were recruited as participants. They rated their perceptions of an ostensible student described as exhibiting behaviors characteristic of Autism Spectrum Disorder and their behavioral intentions towards the student. Participants also indicated their knowledge of and stigma toward Autism Spectrum Disorder. Self-reported social distancing behaviors toward a peer on the spectrum did not depend on diagnosis disclosure. Diagnosis disclosure also did not impact gender identity and knowledge level of participants or social distancing behaviors. Finally, social distancing behaviors or knowledge did not depend on whether participants indicated a self-diagnosis or a close family member or friend's diagnosis. Future research should continue to review social distancing based on disclosure in college populations, and this area of research should prioritize genuine representation and inclusion of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.Keywords: autism spectrum disorder, identity development, college students, higher education, educational experiences, diagnosis disclosure