Research Symposium

BIO

Audrey Almanzar is a second-year student at Florida State University from Miami pursuing a Bachelor of Science with the goal of becoming a nurse practitioner. She is passionate about leadership and community engagement, contributing through involvement in campus organizations and mentoring activities while preparing for a career in healthcare.

Bridging the Gap: A Qualitative Analysis of Academic and Social Barriers for Autistic Students in Higher Education

Abstract

This research investigates the specific academic and social barriers faced by autistic students in higher education and how institutional supports impact these barriers. We aimed to identify gaps in current institutional support by examining the experiences of these students through interviews. Understanding these nuances is relevant for administrators seeking to move beyond basic compliance and toward creating inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming campus environments. This study used qualitative interviews with autistic students and counselors, which were then individually analyzed to identify the gaps between standard institutional accommodations and the actual needs of the students. Data was then looked at through thematic coding to develop actionable solutions for more inclusive campus environments for neurodivergent students. The Qualitative analysis revealed consistent themes of participants describing academic and social challenges that students with autism face. In the interviews, students often reported barriers related to communication with faculty, sensory overload in classroom settings, and difficulty navigating accommodation systems. These results highlight the gap between campus support resources and the actual needs of autistic students. The interviews show the importance of listening to autistic students’ lived experiences when designing support services. Implementing these recommendations may increase student engagement, academic success, and an overall sense of belonging for autistic students. Using this information, we will refine and distribute a toolkit for college counselors and staff and evaluate its effectiveness across diverse campus settings. Overall, this research shows the need for autism-informed support systems in higher education.

Keywords: Autism, Community college, Counselors