An Occupational Therapy Support Service for University Students With Asperger's Syndrome (AS)

Abstract

Students with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) face challenges, within third-level education, related to the person, environment, and occupation. This study describes an occupational therapy (OT) service that aims to enhance the interplay between the person (i.e., the student) and his/her occupation within a given context (i.e., college environment). A chart review and Student Satisfaction Survey was used to identify the demographics, concerns, and goals of the students using it. It was found that goals and concerns shift according to students' stage in college and recommends that services employ a student-centered, flexible approach responsive to the particular concerns of these students.

KEYWORDS:

• occupational therapy
• Asperger's Syndrome
• third-level education
• Unilink

Notes

*Thirteen students had more than one other diagnosis.

The terms “college,” “university,” and “third-level” are used interchangeably to refer to post-secondary level educational institutions.