Work

Postsecondary Educational Experiences of Autistic Young Adults: A Longitudinal Follow-Up to a School-Based Study

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This longitudinal follow-up study of 129 autistic young adults and their parents in three U.S. states was designed to (a) investigate autistic young adults’ postsecondary education experiences, (b) learn if the experiences align with their interests and if they are satisfied with them, (c) explore the educational supports and disability services they are they provided in the educational settings, and (d) analyze high school factors predicting participation in postsecondary education. Results indicated that the postsecondary education landscape is encouraging as the majority of young adults had engaged in some postsecondary education. In general, courses and programs were satisfactory and aligned with young adult interests, and a wide variety of primarily academic supports were provided to students. Key high school predictors of postsecondary education outcomes were (a) more time in general education classes, (b) greater language, social communication, and literacy skills, and (c) effective classroom engagement skills.

Source: Remedial and Special Education

DOI: 10.1177/07419325241276170

Authors: Nancy S. McIntyre, Lindsay F. Rentschler, Brianne R. Tomaszewski, Bonnie R. Kraemer

Institutions: University of Central Florida, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, San Diego State University

Language: English

Topic: Disability Education and Employment

Subfield: Safety Research

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, National Center for Special Education Research, Institute of Education Sciences