Date of Award
2024
Degree Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Dana M. Howell
Second Advisor
Renee Causey-Upton
Third Advisor
Shirley O'Brien
Abstract
Young adults on the autism spectrum are likely to experience an occupational imbalance after graduating high school. This is evidenced by the approximately 37% to 50% of youth with autism who report unemployment or not continuing their education after high school and their researched struggles with managing mental health conditions, living independently in the community, and engaging in social activities. In order to better understand the perspectives of young adults with autism experiencing an occupational imbalance after graduating high school, this thesis aims to explore the experiences of college students with autism using a qualitative approach. College students with autism were recruited through flyers placed around campus and given to a campus group of students with autism. Data analysis was conducted to find common themes in the experiences of college students with ASD about their transition from high school to college, in hopes that this information can guide future research to provide better transitional programs for young adults with ASD.
Recommended Citation
Pearl, Magdalene, "Steps to Success: The Lived Experiences of College Students on the Autism Spectrum" (2024). Online Theses and Dissertations. 829.
https://encompass.eku.edu/etd/829
