Autistic college students face high rates of mental health concerns. In response, some colleges and universities have begun to put into place support services for this population. University counseling centers (UCCs) are a key resource for students with autism. Chandrasekhar & Hu (2024) analyzed UCC directors' perceptions of autistic students and their ability to provide services for autistic student populations. 

This study found that 82% of clinicians report interacting with autistic students. Of those clinicians, 54% report feeling confident in their ability to diagnose autism, which is significantly lower than confidence rates for treating depression and anxiety. Only 39.3% of clinicians believed that autistic students' needs could be met at the UCC. In addition, 66.3% of respondents reported receiving no training from their university on autism. 

This is just a snapshot of some of the findings of Chandrasekhar & Hu’s (2024) study. Their findings have implications for how we approach support services for autistic students and creating autism-affirming counseling services for this population. 

Chandrasekhar & Hu (2024) College counseling center directors' perspectives on autism


Sibley & Mehr (2024) provide an overview of an autism support program called D-CAP, which provided programming for autistic students to learn life skills and mental health coping skills. They discuss that the program was largely successful in meeting students' needs and being able to teach students new skills. They recommend that on campuses that don’t have an autism support program, collaboration should be with other offices that serve autistic students. They also recommend that an effective approach to supporting autistic students is proactive, collaborative, and individualized 

Counseling center collaboration to bridge the gap for college students with autism spectrum disorder

University counseling centers are a key resource for autistic college students. Students may use this resource when they are dealing with mental health concerns, stress, burnout, overwhelming life circumstances, or mental health crises. University counseling centers typically provide individual services, group services, outreach, and self-help resources. 

Grand Valley State University

More and more autistic students are beginning to pursue post-secondary education. This is largely due to the increased awareness of autism and the increased opportunities for autistic students. VanBergeijk et al. (2008) provides an analysis of how we can begin to support students on the spectrum in post-secondary environments. 

The authors emphasize that finding a "goodness of fit" between the autistic student and the university is an important first step in the college transition process. If the student does not fit with the university environment, they will not have a successful transition. 

Disability centers on college campuses are generally well-equipped to provide accommodations and supports to students with specific learning disabilities, however they may not have the resources to provide supports to autistic students. These additional supports may be needed in the realms of organization, socialization, communication, and independent living. 

Specific supports can be implemented in the university environment to improve autistic students outcomes. This include social skills training and mental health supports. 

Finally, universities should make it a priority to prepare students for independent living and the transition to work after college graduation. The attainment of skills that will help students succeed in these areas is essential. 


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