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Autism Goes To College: Identifying Issues and Sharing Ideas

Autism Goes To College: Identifying Issues and Sharing Ideas. Anthony L. Rostain, M.D., M.A. Social Learning Disorders Program Department of Psychiatry University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Objectives. Review agenda for today’s meeting Review major issues facing Students

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Autism Goes To College: Identifying Issues and Sharing Ideas

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  1. Autism Goes To College: Identifying Issues and Sharing Ideas Anthony L. Rostain, M.D., M.A. Social Learning Disorders Program Department of Psychiatry University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

  2. Objectives • Review agenda for today’s meeting • Review major issues facing • Students • Families • College personnel • Share ideas and resources • Pose questions for future discussions Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

  3. Agenda 1:10-1:30pm "Major Issues Facing College Students on the Autism Spectrum" 1:30-3:00pm  Roundtable Discussion • What are the major challenges and opportunities you've faced in your efforts to facilitate successful adaptation to college for students on the spectrum? • How do you define and identify students on the autism spectrum and others with social learning disorders? • What are some of the helpful interventions you've used? • What are your specific areas of interest related to this topic? 3:00-3:15pm  Break 3:15-4:00pm  Discuss Next Steps • Facilitating an ongoing network, etc. Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

  4. “If our brains were simple, we would be too simple to understand them.” Mario Puzo “The brain is wider than the sky.” Emily Dickinson Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

  5. Challenges facing students on the spectrum (Lars Perner, Ph.D.) The HFIWA faces several potential areas of problems with higher education: • Gaining admission to a desired college • Moving away from home, if needed • Handling emerging social situations • Handling pragmatics such as time management, budgeting, and transportation • Completing the required course work • Securing needed services • Planning for and actually transitioning to life after college. Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

  6. Leaving home Living in a new place Taking care of one’s daily needs independently Getting along with roommates, classmates Finding friends Forming a social network Gaining social acceptance Learning to navigate a new physical terrain Sensory challenges Managing time efficiently Keeping organized Handling multiple academic demands Coping with anxiety Perfectionism Students’ concerns Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

  7. Adjusting to change Safety Academic success Social acceptance Roommate Friends Sexuality Drinking, drug use Managing daily life Sleep / wake cycle Diet Hygiene Laundry Managing emotions Anxiety Depression Anger Parents’ concerns Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

  8. Helping students and parents to prepare for the transition • Provide clear, written information before : • Schedule of orientation programs • Maps of campus • Directions for checking into dorms • Procedures for registration • Outlines of key personnel (e.g. advisor) • Invite students and parents to meet disability services personnel – schedule a time during orientation • Explain FERPA law and the waiver • Provide contact information for parents Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

  9. What are the concerns of college disability services personnel? • Identifying students on the spectrum, specifying needs • Defining the scope and nature of “disability” • Providing individual students with appropriate accommodations and services • Monitoring the effectiveness of interventions • Creating peer support structures for students • Creating a positive social environment / reducing stigma • Educating faculty, students, residential advisors, etc. • Developing new resources Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

  10. Assessment Issues • Transitional issues • Readiness for college • Fit between student’s expectations and college environment’s resources • Developing a transition plan • Coping skills • Personal organization • Academic preparation • Social relationships Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

  11. Academic Support • Campus learning center • Organization, time management • Regular accountability • Discuss learning, writing strategies • Use available resources • Professor office hours, special appointments • Review sessions • Study groups • Ambivalence about time, effort, meaning Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

  12. Academic Accommodations • Formal appeal for special services • Modified curriculum / requirements • Note-taking services / audio recordings • Organizational aids • Standardized test accommodations • Access to other support services Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

  13. Study/Learning Habits • Understand informational pace • Attention capacity • Reading speed • Chunking • Use supportive technology (e.g., planner) • Prioritize and balance aspects of college life • Countering avoidance/procrastination • Reading • Writing • Studying Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

  14. Social Support Modalities • Clubs, activity groups • Support groups • Self-education and advocacy about Autism Spectrum Disorders • AS resources (e.g., AS, GRASP) • Self-help strategies • Pro-active mental health services Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

  15. Living Arrangements • Roommate – Yes or No ? • Physical space management • Schedule / time management • Dormitory life - predictable routines • Rules and regulations Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

  16. Education of patient / family (resources) Environmental restructuring Pharmacotherapy Psychotherapy Other support modes Academic support Academic accommodations Study/learning habits Social coaching Career counseling Autism and College Coping:Multisystem Intervention Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

  17. Multisystem Problem Areas • Academic bureaucracy • Availability of services • Tuition issues • Subject requirements • Family expectations • Student’s beliefs • Readiness for change • Personal expectations (“should”) • Identity • Under-utilization of support services Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

  18. Discussion Questions • What are the major challenges and opportunities you've faced in your efforts to facilitate successful adaptation to college for students on the spectrum? • How do you define and identify students on the autism spectrum and others with social learning disorders? • What are some of the helpful interventions you've used? • What are your specific areas of interest related to this topic? Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

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