Graduate Program
College Student Affairs
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Semester of Degree Completion
2012
Thesis Director
Richard Roberts
Thesis Committee Member
Angela Yoder
Thesis Committee Member
Jill Fahy
Abstract
Autism is a complex disorder, affecting a person's ability to socialize, process information, and communicate effectively. Often, persons with autism struggle with sensory system deficits that compound their isolation. As college campuses welcome an increasing number of students with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) or High Functioning Autism (HF A), student affairs professionals must learn to adapt their skills to challenge and support this population. Student affairs professionals instinctively encourage students to form student organizations (RSO) and to be involved on their campuses to ensure enriching learning experiences. It is important for student affairs professionals to be aware of the effects of autism on an individual's level of comfort with being involved in campus life in the same way that a neurotypical student is able to be. Through qualitative interviews with adults with AS or HF A who had attended college, it was revealed that some persons with AS or HF A are uncomfortable in group settings but are in need of, and receptive to, receiving other forms of social supports. Moreover, some students with autism are eager to participate in an RSO for their population, but have differing opinions regarding the purpose, function, and format of such an organization. When establishing social groups for students with AS or HF A, it is important that a neurotypical person with an understanding of autism moderate group meetings, and that confidentiality is emphasized to assuage concerns regarding stigmatization.
Recommended Citation
Smith, Jennifer L., "Challenges of forming a registered student organization for students with Asperger's syndrome or high functioning autism" (2012). Masters Theses. 1006.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/1006
