The neurodiversity paradigm is a social justice concept that reframes neurologically based conditions including autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities, as beneficial forms of diversity. A question arising from this framework is the degree to which people forge neurodiversity identities based in self-acceptance. Little is known about identity…

Many students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience substantial difficulties with socialization and independence, and college campuses often lack appropriate support services in these areas. Residential advisors (RAs), who are trained to support all students living on campus, could be uniquely prepared to positively contribute to the…

The authors of this article invite disability and student affairs professionals to engage autistic college students and colleagues in program development and assessment efforts. Ten strategies to construct student support programs and assessment designs are provided that are inclusive of autistic students, staff, and faculty input and…

This article provides a systematic review of the literature related to college transition programs for students with autism. It addresses how individual programs themselves, as well as associated research, can be enhanced to accommodate the needs, identities, and pathways of individual students with autism more effectively. Methods entailed…

The growing number of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in postsecondary education requires accommodations beyond typically provided supports in order to ensure success. However, most campuses lack support services provided in addition to general accommodations. A supplemental support program within a public university was developed to…

While peer mentor programs for students with disabilities in higher education are increasing in prevalence, the research examining the effectiveness of these programs remains limited. In this study, the effect of one college peer mentoring program on academic performance at a small, private four-year university was examined. The sample was drawn…

Self-care skills, especially food preparation skills, are essential for independence as young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) transition to adulthood. This practice brief reviews the impact of a six-week course designed to teach cooking skills to college students with ASD. The goal was to increase confidence in cooking and frequency of…

Previous research indicates that postsecondary educational experience (PSE) predicts successful employment outcomes for transition-aged youth with disabilities. Using data on supported employment services from the Rehabilitative Services Administration, this study compared employment rates and outcomes for young adults with Autism Spectrum…

The enrollment of students with intellectual disabilities in postsecondary education has increased steadily over the past three decades. This growth has been catalyzed by federal legislation (i.e., the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008), advocacy, public acknowledgment that individuals with intellectual disabilities have the capacity to…

The ability to read is an essential part of an independent life in our society. Individuals with Intellectual Disability (ID) and Autism Spectrums Disorders (ASD) often struggle with learning to read; therefore, discovering strategies to build literacy skills is essential to their success in employment and independence. A multiple probe across…

Pacific Alliance project staff developed an internship program for postsecondary students with disabilities (SWD) in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) pipeline. The aim of the internship was to improve students' persistence in postsecondary education by improving their motivation, self-confidence, social and…