School's out Forever: Postsecondary Educational Trajectories of Students with Autism. (August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Karola, Dillenburger; Julie‐Ann, Jordan; Lyn, McKerr
• Other Names: Anderson Angelika guestEditor.; Barbaro Josephine guestEditor.; Maybery Murray guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Australian psychologist. Volume 51:Number 4(2016)
• Page Start: 304
• Page End: 315
• Publication Date: 2016-08
• Subjects: adults -- autism spectrum disorder -- higher education, further education -- postsecondary education -- school leavers -- secondary data analysis; Psychology -- Periodicals; 150
• DOI: 10.1111/ap.12228
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0005-0067

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: Postsecondary educational attainment is the key for successful transition to adulthood, economic self‐sufficiency, and good mental and physical health. Method: Secondary analyses of school leavers' data were carried out to establish postsecondary educational trajectories of students on the autism spectrum in the United Kingdom. Results: Findings show that students with autism who had attended mainstream secondary schools enter Further Education (post‐16 vocational training) at lower rates and Higher Education (University) institutions at a similar rate to other students. They study the full range of subjects on offer. However, they are more likely to be younger, study at a lower academic level, and remain living at home with their parents. Conclusion: While course completion data were not yet available, attainment data showed that prospects are improving, although more needs to be done to enable these young adults to achieve their full postsecondary educational potential.