ERIC Number: EJ1029889
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1360-3116
EISSN: N/A
Life at University with Asperger Syndrome: A Comparison of Student and Staff Perspectives
Knott, Fiona; Taylor, Angela
International Journal of Inclusive Education, v18 n4 p411-426 2014
Although increasing numbers of students with disabilities are accessing higher education, there is relatively little information about the needs of students with Asperger syndrome (AS). Crucially, students themselves have rarely been included in research examining their needs or the supports they might find helpful. Three focus groups, one with students with AS and two with staff were conducted to explore the challenges, barriers and supports to students' successful progress through one university in the UK. Thematic analysis revealed some key differences between staff and student perspectives, particularly with regard to impact of sensory sensitivities and daily life difficulties on academic progress. Students and staff also held differing views about what is helpful, relating to disclosure of diagnosis and the value of formal social supports. The study highlights the importance of developing services beyond traditional academic supports that students with AS themselves feel are valuable.
Descriptors: Asperger Syndrome, Comparative Analysis, Student Experience, College Students, Student Needs, Special Needs Students, Focus Groups, Student Surveys, Teacher Surveys, Barriers, Related Services (Special Education), Correlation, Autism, Teamwork, Speech Communication, Time Management, Communication Skills, Social Cognition, Disclosure, Emotional Problems, Sensory Experience, Daily Living Skills, Academic Achievement, Foreign Countries
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Postsecondary Education; Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United Kingdom
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A