Students with autism spectrum condition attending higher education: challenges for students and educators

In addition, this study aims to identify and examine the challenges faced by educators in teaching Autistic adult students. Finally, to identify and determine how higher education providers can provide a more inclusive setting for students with special educational needs.<br><br><br>Semi-structured interviews were used as the primary research method for this research study.

Interviews were carried out with four students, three lecturers and two support staff. The students all had an Autism diagnosis and were attending college/university at the time of the interviews, along with three lecturers who work in higher education and have experience of working with Autistic students and also two support staff, one who is the head of the learning support department in a private college and the other is head of student services in a public college.<br><br><br>The key findings that emerged from this study are collated under four main themes, which are: Autism Awareness and Student Disclosure, Accommodation and Supports, Professional Development and Formal Structures.