6.21 UNIVERSITY COUNSELING CENTER CLINICIANS' EXPERIENCE WITH AND ATTITUDES TOWARD STUDENTS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: A BRIEF SURVEY

Objectives: A growing number of young adults with autism spectrum disor- der (ASD) are entering higher education. Studies suggest that they experience high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal behavior. University and college counseling centers (UCCCs) are a frontline support for these students, although little is known about UCCC clinicians’ attitudes, knowledge base, and training on ASD. The following study aimed to assess these items, in addition to system-level factors that impact UCCC fit for students with ASD. Methods: UCCC clinicians completed a 17-item online survey to assess training experiences and comfort with providing clinical care for students with ASD. Attitudes toward clients with ASD and perceptions of the suitability of UCCC services were also assessed. The participant demographics collected included age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, degree, and UCCC role. Results: A total of 89 UCCC clinicians completed the survey. Psychologists (38.2%, n 1⁄4 34), psychiatrists (21.2%, n 1⁄4 19), and social workers (10.1%, n 1⁄4 9) were the most common respondents. The majority of clinicians (82.0%, n 1⁄4 73) had interacted with students with ASD in the past year and reported high levels of comfort with treating anxiety and depression. However, a smaller number reported confidence in their ability to diagnose ASD. Training on ASD was most commonly received in an educational program (42.7%, n 1⁄4 28) rather than at the UCCC. In addition, clinicians indicated ambivalence about recruitment of students with ASD and whether a UCCC setting adequately meets their needs. Conclusions: As students with ASD enter higher education, institutions must be prepared to support their mental well-being. The UCCC clinicians sur- veyed in this preliminary study indicated high rates of interactions with stu- dents with ASD and high rates of comfort with treating common comorbidities such as anxiety and depression. However, gaps in knowledge base and training were identified as areas for future intervention.

Duke Scholars

Author Tara Chandrasekhar Psychiatry, Child & Family Mental Health & Community Psychia ...