ERIC Number: EJ1170775
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018-Mar
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0162-3257
EISSN: N/A
An Evaluation of Specialist Mentoring for University Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Mental Health Conditions
Lucas, Rebecca; James, Alana I.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, v48 n3 p694-707 Mar 2018
Mentoring is often recommended to universities as a way of supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and/or mental health conditions (MHC), but there is little literature on optimising this support. We used mixed-methods to evaluate mentees' and mentors' experiences of a specialist mentoring programme. Mentees experienced academic, social and emotional support, although subtle group differences emerged between students with ASD and MHC. The quality of the mentee-mentor relationship was especially important. Mentors also reported benefits. Thematic analysis identified that effective mentoring requires a tailored partnership, which involves a personal relationship, empowerment, and building bridges into the university experience. Mentoring can effectively support students with ASD and/or MHC, but this is highly dependent on the development of tailored mentee-mentor partnerships.
Descriptors: Mentors, Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Mental Disorders, Educational Experience, Higher Education, Mixed Methods Research, Program Effectiveness, Social Support Groups, Interpersonal Relationship, College Students, Student Attitudes, Mental Health
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A