Strategies for Teaching STEM Subjects to College Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder

2018 ◽  
Vol 047 (06) ◽  
Autism ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 574-583 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy L Accardo ◽  
S Jay Kuder ◽  
John Woodruff

This 2-year study investigated the accommodations and support services preferred by college students with autism spectrum disorder using sequential mixed methods non-experimental survey and semi-structured follow-up interviews. Students with autism spectrum disorder reported using both academic and non-academic supports with frequency (e.g. extended time on exams, transition program), using academic supports in line with other disability populations, and using non-academic supports connecting them one-to-one with a faculty member or coach as preferred (e.g. academic coach, counselor, faculty mentor). Findings suggest a need for university disability service centers, counseling services, and faculty to work together to develop systematic support systems for college students with autism spectrum disorder.


2021 ◽  
pp. 016264342110021
Author(s):  
Emily Gregori ◽  
Rose Mason ◽  
Danni Wang ◽  
Zoe Griffin ◽  
Aida Iriarte

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have difficulty engaging in conversations with same-age peers. Deficits in conversation skills can hinder one’s ability to sustain friendships and may lead to social isolation. Research has shown that technology-based interventions can improve conversation skills and reduce the social stigmatization of individualized interventions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of telecoaching and online instructional modules on conversation skills for four high school and college students with ASD. A component analysis was conducted to determine the critical components of the intervention package. Results showed that telecoaching was associated with the most significant improvements in conversation behavior for all participants. Future directions and recommendations for clinicians are discussed.


Autism ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 1519-1530 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tim Ziermans ◽  
Ymke de Bruijn ◽  
Renee Dijkhuis ◽  
Wouter Staal ◽  
Hanna Swaab

Reduced empathy and alexithymic traits are common across the autism spectrum, but it is unknown whether this is also true for intellectually advanced adults with autism spectrum disorder. The aim of this study was to examine whether college students with autism spectrum disorder experience difficulties with empathy and alexithymia, and whether this is associated with their cognitive levels of executive functioning. In total, 53 college students with autism spectrum disorder were compared to a gender-matched group of 29 neurotypical students on cognitive and affective dimensions of empathy and alexithymia. In addition, cognitive performance on executive functioning was measured with computerized and paper-and-pencil tasks. The autism spectrum disorder group scored significantly lower on cognitive empathy and higher on cognitive alexithymia (both d = 0.65). The difference on cognitive empathy also remained significant after controlling for levels of cognitive alexithymia. There were no group differences on affective empathy and alexithymia. No significant relations between executive functioning and cognitive alexithymia or cognitive empathy were detected. Together, these findings suggest that intellectually advanced individuals with autism spectrum disorder experience serious impairments in the cognitive processing of social–emotional information. However, these impairments cannot be attributed to individual levels of cognitive executive functioning.


Author(s):  
Sue Ceja ◽  
Jeannine Kranzow

With a significant increase in the number of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), there is a need for higher education professionals on campuses to better understand the challenges facing this population. This article presents literature on the topic of college students with ASD that will better equip those working with students on campus. Challenges faced by those transitioning to college with ASD and implications for those working in orientation, transition, and other support areas within institutions of higher education are discussed. Suggestions for improving success, retention and thriving for this population are presented.


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