ERIC Number: EJ1058113
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 15
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1195-4353
EISSN: N/A
Participating, Navigating and Succeeding with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Ontario Postsecondary Education System
Luey, Jennifer
College Quarterly, v17 n4 Fall 2014
Increases in the frequency of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) within the postsecondary education system are now beginning to surface. Through a review of the literature this paper will focus on the persistence, retention and successful completion of autistics in the postsecondary education (PSE) sector. The author found no concrete statistics for the prevalence of autism, however the Autism Society of Canada conservatively estimates that 1 in every 200 children in Canada have been diagnosed with autism (Wood, 2013, p. 1). Currently the approximate graduation rate is 20% for the autistic population in the postsecondary sector, which is extremely low (MacKenzie, 2014, 3m 14s). An investigation into the causes of low persistence and retention is needed to determine the necessary actions to increase graduation rates for this particular population. "Recent reviews of outcomes have indicated that individuals with ASD experience low rates of college completion, employment, independent living, and life-long friendships on graduation." (Wehman, Schall, Carr, Targett, West & Cifu, 2014, p. 32) Using the triad of accessibility, funding, and quality is a useful tool, however these aspects are all interrelated, and when one aspect of the triad is affected the other two are also affected. These students are an available market that has many talents to contribute to the postsecondary education sector and society. This author concludes that increasing the persistence, retention, and graduation rates for ASD students provides society with well-educated, employable, and productive contributors. All members of society should have the opportunity to be supported in achieving their potential. Making the initial investments in the ASD community will decrease the need for long term social service funding. This population has valuable contributions to make to the academic arena. By honing their talents and focusing on their interest, these individuals will excel in the global market and assist in supporting and developing their societies.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Postsecondary Education, College Students, Academic Persistence, College Graduates, Access to Education, Financial Support, School Holding Power, Graduation Rate, Interaction, Interpersonal Competence, Student Behavior, Comprehension, Learner Engagement, Academic Accommodations (Disabilities), Transitional Programs, College Choice, College Housing, Costs, Tuition, Student Financial Aid, Teaching Methods, College Faculty, Student Personnel Services, School Orientation, Social Support Groups, Mentors, Literature Reviews
Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology. 1750 Finch Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario M2J 2X5, Canada. Tel: 416-491-5050; Fax: 905-479-4561; Web site: http://www.collegequarterly.ca
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative; Information Analyses
Education Level: Postsecondary Education; Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A