Supporting the needs of college students with autism spectrum disorder.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are enrolling in colleges at increasing rates. This case highlights the need for college mental health clinicians to be aware of features of ASD in emerging adults. Participants: A case of a young woman with dysphoria and anxiety who also met ASD criteria during a diagnostic evaluation. Methods: The author describes diagnostic criteria for ASD, common psychiatric co-morbidities, and commonly used campus services. Results: The student in this case was diagnosed with ASD during the course of treatment for dysphoria and anxiety. Knowledge of this diagnosis led to better self-understanding and discovery of new supports. Conclusions: College mental health clinicians will increasingly encounter students with ASD whose social and communication challenges impact their success in post-secondary educational environments. Clinicians should be knowledgeable of ASD features, common mental health challenges, and how best to support students.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Chandrasekhar, T

Published Date

  • 2020

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 68 / 8

Start / End Page

  • 936 - 939

PubMed ID

  • 31702974

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1940-3208

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1080/07448481.2019.1686003

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States