Presenter(s): Isabelle Cullen
Faculty Mentor(s): Laura Lee McIntyre
Oral Session 4 C
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is the fastest growing neurodevelopmental disorder in childhood affecting an estimated 1 in 59 Americans (Center for Disease and Prevention, 2018). ASD affects social, communication, and behavioral functioning across the lifespan. ASD is a spectrum disorder with some individuals significantly impaired and others more mildly affected. Approximately half have intellectual functioning in the average or above range, yet only 15% of those on the spectrum attend a 4 year university. Empirical literature was reviewed and institutional services at UO were investigated to better understand the barriers and supports for students with ASD. In this oral presentation, we will discuss the four primary federal laws that create and define how institutions provide post-secondary education support to those with disabilities, the restrictions that these current laws pose, and what programs and services institutions can provide to better support these students and increase their presence in 4 year universities.