The Impact of COVID-19 on College Students with Autism: Implications for College Counselors

ABSTRACT

As a result of additional stressors encountered by individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the COVID-19 pandemic had a disproportionately greater impact on college students with ASD than the general college population. To address the unique concerns this population encountered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, this qualitative study analyzed the data collected from student meetings of 75 students with ASD, who participated in a program from Fall 2017 to Fall 2021 for individuals with ASD to support them as they navigate their college experiences. The data analysis strategy of Thematic Analysis was implemented to identify five overarching themes that participants experienced including: mental health and emotional considerations, social concerns, personal autonomy adjustments, goal realization/achievements, and changes in opportunities. Limitations for the study and recommendations for future research are provided.

KEYWORDS:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• college counseling
• COVID-19 pandemic
• mental health
• social concerns

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).