Autism Spectrum

Background

Professor Cowen teaches a capstone course in computing. Students are required to give oral presentations discussing their final designs. Professor Cowen is concerned that a student in her class, Amy, will have difficulty with delivering her presentation. Although Amy has not expressed concern about the presentation assignment, Professor Cowen is concerned because Amy is autistic and rarely joins classroom discussions.

School activities that may be particularly challenging for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), previously referred to as Asperger's Disorder, include social interactions, noisy or disordered environments, intense sensory stimulation, and changes in expected routines. The unstructured parts of the school day, such as lunch, may present the greatest challenges. Many students with ASD have difficulty using a pencil and paper for writing.

A large portion of individuals with ASD are unemployed although many of them are capable of working. Students with ASD often find it difficult to communicate in a traditional interview format. Some companies, both in the US and abroad, have enacted programs to specifically recruit employees with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Examples of these recruitment efforts and programs include:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), also referred to as Autism, is a developmental disability characterized by impairments in social interactions and communication, as well as a pattern of repetitive or obsessive behaviors and interests. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe. There is no known cure for ASD, but interventions have been identified that can reduce behavioral symptoms and improve academic, employment, and social outcomes. The cause of ASD is not known; however, evidence suggests that both genetic factors and environmental triggers may play roles.

​According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Asperger's Disorder, also referred to as Asperger Syndrome, was a term previously used to describe one of the pervasive developmental disorders. The diagnosis of Asperger’s Disorder was removed from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) in 2013. Those previously diagnosed with Asperger’s Disorder are now included in the broader category of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Although some individuals with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have cognitive impairments that would preclude college attendance, many students with high-functioning Autism (HFA) do well in an academic environment, particularly if they have the opportunity to focus on areas of personal interest.

Background

My name is Austin. I have a diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome and I recently started taking classes at my local community college.

Access Issue

My family and I were concerned about my transition to college because I have difficulty meeting people and making new friends. Having friends my own age at school helps me to stay positive and motivated when things get hard. My two best friends in high school were people whom I have known all my life.

School activities that may be particularly challenging for students with Asperger's Disorder (also referred to as Asperger Syndrome) and high-functioning Autism include social interactions, noisy or disordered environments, intense sensory stimulation, and changes in expected routines. The unstructured parts of the school day, such as lunch, may present the greatest challenges. Many students with Asperger's Disorder or high-functioning Autism have difficulty using a pencil and paper for writing.