College Success for Students with Autism: Support and Strategies
Students with autism are increasingly pursuing higher education, but many face unique challenges when navigating the college environment. These challenges can include adjusting to new academic expectations, developing social connections, managing independence, and learning how to advocate for their needs. Colleges and universities may offer support services, but students often need guidance in understanding and accessing these resources. Families, educators, and support professionals play an important role in helping students with autism prepare for and succeed in higher education.
The resources in this guide are designed for individuals who want to support students with autism as they transition to and navigate college life. They include research articles, educational websites, podcasts, and advocacy materials that provide information on self-advocacy, academic support, and strategies for success. Together, these resources highlight practical tools and insights that can help students with autism build independence, access support systems, and thrive in college settings.
Helpful Organizations
College Autism Network
The College Autism Network (CAN) provides resources, research, and training to help students with autism succeed in college. The site includes information for students, families, and universities about college transition, campus support programs, and best practices for supporting students with autism.
Autism College and Career
Autism College and Career offers guidance to help students with autism transition from high school to college and employment. The website provides practical advice, coaching services, and resources on independent living, career planning, and college readiness.
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is an advocacy organization run by and for autistic people. The site focuses on disability rights, policy advocacy, and promoting the voices and leadership of autistic individuals in decisions that affect them.
Autism Research Institute
This site belongs to the Autism Research Institute (ARI). It provides research updates, educational materials, webinars, and information about treatments and medical issues related to autism.
College Autism Spectrum
College Autism Spectrum offers consulting, training, and program development for colleges that support students on the autism spectrum. It also provides resources for students and families preparing for college life.
Autism Goes to College
Autism Goes to College is a website created alongside a documentary film that shares the experiences of autistic college students. The site provides resources, stories, and guidance to help students with autism navigate college.
The Autism Society
The Autism Society is a national nonprofit organization that provides education, advocacy, and support for individuals with autism and their families. The site includes information about diagnosis, services, community programs, and policy initiatives.
Organization for Autism Research
The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) funds applied research and provides evidence-based resources to improve the daily lives of autistic individuals. The site includes research summaries, scholarships, and resources for families, educators, and self-advocates.
National Autism Association
The National Autism Association focuses on advocacy, safety programs, education, and resources for families and individuals affected by autism. The website offers information on safety initiatives, support services, and autism awareness.
International Society for Autism Research
This website belongs to the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR), a professional organization dedicated to advancing scientific research on autism. It provides information about conferences, research publications, and collaboration opportunities for researchers.
The Arc
The Arc is a national nonprofit organization that advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism. The site offers resources, policy advocacy, support programs, and information about community inclusion and disability rights.
Recent Research
Autistic College Students and Support Services: A Systematic Review
This article reviews research on support services available to autistic college students. It examines what types of campus programs and accommodations help students succeed academically and socially in higher education.
Supporting Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Higher Education: A Systematic Review
This article reviews existing research on strategies and programs that support college students with autism. It focuses on academic supports, transition services, and ways universities can improve inclusion and success for these students.
College Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review of Literature
This literature review examines challenges and support needs of autistic college students. It discusses social, academic, and institutional barriers and suggests ways colleges can improve services and support systems.
Academic, Social, and Mental Health Experiences of Autistic College Students
This research article explores the experiences of autistic college students, including academic performance, social interactions, and mental health. The study highlights common challenges students face and the importance of targeted campus supports.
Students with autism in Higher Education: Understanding Support Needs and Barriers
This article examines the experiences of students with autism in college and identifies barriers that affect their academic success. It also discusses strategies institutions can use to better support autistic learners.
Success for College Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Community College Composition View
This article explores how writing instructors can support students with autism in community college composition courses. It offers teaching strategies and classroom approaches that help improve engagement and academic success.
Experiences of Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Postsecondary Education
This study examines the educational experiences of students with autism in college, including academic challenges, social integration, and available support services. The article highlights the importance of institutional support programs.
Supporting the Transition to Higher Education for Students With Autism
This article focuses on the transition from high school to college for students with autism. It discusses strategies that educators and institutions can use to improve readiness, independence, and long-term success in higher education.
Podcasts
Autism Goes to College Podcast Series
This podcast series shares conversations with autistic college students, educators, and experts about the college experience. Episodes discuss topics such as campus support, independence, and strategies for success in higher education.
College Autism Spectrum Media Center
The Media Center from College Autism Spectrum provides webinars, podcasts, and interviews focused on supporting students with autism in college. The content offers guidance for students, families, and educators on college preparation and campus success.
College Autism Experts – Dr. Jane Thierfeld Brown and Dr. Lorre Wolf (Author Series)
This episode of the Learn Smarter Podcast features experts discussing strategies to support students with autism in college. The conversation covers academic accommodations, social challenges, and ways universities can better support neurodiverse learners.
Autism Research Speaker Series – University of Maryland
This speaker series features presentations by researchers and professionals studying autism. The series highlights current research, interventions, and support strategies related to autism and neurodevelopmental conditions.
Neurodivergent Students – Student Affairs Now Podcast
This podcast episode explores how colleges and universities can better support neurodivergent students. It discusses inclusive practices, campus resources, and the role of student affairs professionals in promoting accessibility.
ABA Inside Track Podcast
ABA Inside Track is a podcast focused on applied behavior analysis (ABA). The hosts review research articles and discuss evidence-based practices related to autism, education, and behavior support.
Autism POVs Podcast
Autism POVs features discussions from autistic individuals, families, and professionals about their experiences and perspectives. Episodes explore advocacy, personal stories, and issues affecting the autism community.
Adventures in Autism Podcast
This podcast shares stories and conversations related to autism, including parenting experiences, expert interviews, and resources for families and individuals on the spectrum.
Autism Science Foundation Podcast
The Autism Science Foundation Podcast features interviews with researchers and experts discussing current autism research. The episodes focus on scientific discoveries, evidence-based practices, and new developments in autism studies.
The Autism Show
The Autism Show provides videos and presentations from autism conferences and events. The content includes talks from researchers, professionals, and autistic advocates covering education, support strategies, and community resources.
Videos
An Autistic College Student (Diagnosed at Age 20)
Students with ASD at College: Student Perspectives
Students with autism go to college — is higher ed ready?
College and Students on the Autism Spectrum
College Student with Autism Finds Expression Through Art
Young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are attending university in increasing numbers.
Neurodiversity Navigators
Self-Advocacy
Self-Advocacy – TACA (The Autism Community in Action)
This resource explains the importance of self-advocacy for individuals with autism. It provides guidance for families and individuals on learning to communicate needs, make decisions, and advocate for appropriate services and supports.
Self-Advocacy – Autism Research Institute
This page discusses the concept of self-advocacy and why it is important for autistic individuals. It highlights strategies for developing independence, self-awareness, and the ability to speak up for personal needs.
Self-Advocacy and Autistic Individuals
This research article examines the role of self-advocacy among autistic individuals. It explores how self-advocacy skills contribute to independence, empowerment, and improved outcomes in education and everyday life.
Self-Advocacy in School: Building Skills That Last a Lifetime
This article explains how students with autism can develop self-advocacy skills during their school years. It provides strategies for helping students understand their needs and communicate effectively with teachers and peers.
Research-Based Recommendations for Building Self-Advocacy Competence
This article presents evidence-based recommendations for teaching self-advocacy skills to autistic individuals. It focuses on educational strategies that help individuals learn to express their needs and make informed decisions.
The Role of Self-Advocacy in the Autism Community
This article explains how self-advocacy empowers autistic individuals and strengthens the autism community. It highlights the importance of speaking up, participating in decision-making, and promoting awareness and inclusion.
Self-Advocacy Skill Building for Teens
This resource focuses on helping autistic teenagers develop self-advocacy skills. It offers practical tips for building confidence, communicating needs, and preparing for independence in adulthood.
Developing Self-Advocacy Skills to Last a Lifetime
This article discusses how individuals with autism can develop lifelong self-advocacy skills. It emphasizes the importance of learning to communicate needs, understand personal strengths, and access appropriate supports.