Community college students with Asperger's Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorders can experience significant challenges from the social aspect of classroom learning and college life in comparison to their peers. This article explains unique challenges of postsecondary learners with Asperger's Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorders. It also…

Autism diagnoses continue to increase, and students who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are attending college in greater numbers. Many choose community colleges to start their postsecondary careers, so these institutions have a unique opportunity to provide necessary social support. When developing social support initiatives, it is important…

Using a multiple baseline across participants design, this study examines the functional relationship between instruction in note-taking skills and the ability of young adults with autism spectrum disorder to take notes on college lectures. The three participants were enrolled in a program aligned with the Higher Education Opportunity Act (Public…

Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are increasingly selecting to participate in postsecondary education. These individuals often face a number of challenges and barriers to success resulting in poor persistence and completion rates. For institutions of higher education, it is imperative that appropriate supports be put in place and…

Social conversational vulnerabilities associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) generally persist into young adulthood and have a detrimental impact on short- and long-term academic, vocational, and interpersonal success. In light of these challenges, there is a growing need for targeted interventions to improve the social competencies of…

The purpose of this study was to identify the ways existing autism support programs at postsecondary institutions are meeting the needs of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and how these programs aid in student persistence toward degree completion at one 2-year public institution, one 4-year public institution, and one 4-year private…

This article provides direction for educational decision making specifically for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), who have the cognitive and adaptive capabilities required to pursue postsecondary college education. The purpose is to draw attention to the available postsecondary pathways, 2- and 4-year college options, by addressing…

The leading characteristics of persons with autism spectrum disorder include challenging communication practices and asocial reactions which are the outcome of uncommon human sensory processes. As a result, adverse learning practices, outcomes, and greater dropout rates often outline the community college experience for students with ASD. The…

The purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of how students with autism spectrum disorder experience the community college setting in Mississippi. It was designed to be exploratory in nature and was intended to provide practitioners a glimpse into the postsecondary experiences of students with autism (Bell, Devecchi, McGuckin,…

In this article, we report on the development of two latent soft skills progress variables using the Berkeley Evaluation and Assessment Research (BEAR) Assessment System (BAS). The Social Evaluative Reasoning in the Workplace (SER-W) instrument uses comic strip scenarios to depict interactions between employees and customers in entry-level…

While more and more individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are choosing to pursue higher education, comparatively little research has been conducted on the success of these students. Even less practical information has been developed and promulgated to classroom educators. This article reviews trade publications, peer-reviewed journal…

More than 50% of all college students with a disability enroll in public 2-year institutions. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a type of disability that affects a growing number of students in postsecondary education. Currently, over 70% of 2-year public institutions enroll students with ASD. In spite of increased awareness, the vast majority of…

Little is known about postsecondary pathways and persistence among college students with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study analyzed data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2, 2001-2009, a nationally representative sample of students in special education with an ASD who progressed from high school to postsecondary…

In recent years, statistics have displayed a consistent increase in the enrollment in college programs of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The research has explained that ASD college students currently face academic and social barriers as they transition to the college setting. There is reason to believe that the use of online…

Applied undergraduate degrees have become regular offerings at community colleges across Ontario, including the Bachelor of Applied Arts in Early Childhood Leadership and the Autism and Behavioural Science Graduate Certificate at Fanshawe College, both of which include coursework related to applied research. In collaboration with community…