ERIC Number: EJ1335841
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022-Jun
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0162-3257
EISSN: N/A
"I Spent Most of Freshers in My Room"--A Qualitative Study of the Social Experiences of University Students on the Autistic Spectrum
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, v52 n6 p2701-2716 Jun 2022
Autistic university students face extra challenges in both their academic and social life. Barriers to socialising appear to be less well understood and supported by universities than academic requirements. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten autistic university students to explore their social experiences. Questions explored their social experiences, satisfaction with social life, disclosure of ASD to others, and the impact of mental wellbeing on university life. Thematic analysis indicated most participants were unsatisfied with their social lives and experienced mental health issues. Factors exacerbating social isolation included lack of suitable social events, lack of social support and feeling unable to disclose to peers. Factors which reduced social isolation included joining an autism or special interest society and receiving social mentoring.
Descriptors: Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, College Students, Barriers, Interpersonal Relationship, Student Attitudes, Satisfaction, Social Life, Self Disclosure (Individuals), Well Being, Mental Health, Social Isolation, Social Support Groups, Peer Relationship
Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2123/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A