Community Participation

Autistic students reported a mix of academic and social successes and challenges in higher education.
Autistic and non-autistic students felt there was a barrier separating them which made it difficult for them to understand each other.
Both groups of students noted societal pressure to fit in with social norms and stigma against autism.
Both groups of students also advocated for more autism-informed accommodations throughout the higher education journey.
Autistic and non-autistic students expressed that greater autism awareness and acceptance is needed at the societal level.