CANVAS presentation next Tuesday
Brett Nachman
Date: Tues, Oct 14 at 10am EST
Meeting Agenda: Sign up to attend here
Meeting Link: https://pitt.zoom.us/j/99181690674
Presenters: Dr. So Yoon Kim (Assistant Professor of Diversity and Special Education, Korea University) and Dr. Shannon LaPoint, Assistant Professor of Special Education, Florida State University)
Presentation Title: Transitions, Adjustments, and Persistence: Autistic Undergraduates Navigating Higher Education
Presentation Description: Drawing from two in-depth qualitative studies, this presentation highlights autistic undergraduates’ experiences of transition, adjustment, and persistence in college. Early transition was shaped by proximity to home, family support, new social relationships, transition programs, structural changes from high school, and logistical barriers such as transportation and housing. Students felt adjusted after developing familiarity with campus routines, achieving academic success, and forming meaningful peer connections. Persistence was driven by intrinsic motivation, the value of a degree, and family expectations. Findings highlight the need for autism-tailored, neurodiversity-affirming transition programs, proactive academic advising that fosters routine, predictability, and engagement with academic interests, and expanded peer engagement opportunities to help students navigate college and persist.