Meeting the Mental Health Needs of College Students with ASD: A Survey of University and College Counseling Center Directors

J Autism Dev Disord. 2021 Jan;51(1):341-345. doi: 10.1007/s10803-020-04530-3.

Abstract

An increasing number of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are enrolling in post-secondary education. Though many students may use services provided by university and college counseling centers (UCCCs), little is known about the landscape of care for students with ASD in this setting. UCCC directors (n = 79) completed an online survey to assess current utilization, clinician experience with ASD, and campus collaborations. While the majority of directors (69.7%) reported an increase in students with ASD requesting mental health services at their centers, the survey identified a discrepancy between their intention to improve services and current reported levels of expertise, training, and resources. Directors identified barriers to improving UCCC services to students with ASD, providing direction for future improvement.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; College mental health; University counseling center.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / psychology*
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / therapy
  • Counseling / methods*
  • Female
  • Health Services Needs and Demand
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health Services / statistics & numerical data
  • Mental Health*
  • Social Behavior
  • Student Health Services / methods*
  • Students / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*
  • Universities
  • Young Adult