April is World Autism Month, so this episode aims to share the stories of residents with autism. To do so, we are joined by Dr. Dustin Grabsch from Southern Methodist University who published an article last year in The Journal of College and University Student Housing exploring the expectations of residents with autism to increase satisfaction with the on-campus living experience. We discuss the five themes that emerged from the resident interviews including academics, campus housing, community, roommate expectations, and the student experience. Throughout the episode it become abundantly clear that professional staff need only think just a little bit deeper to find small-scale and simple ways to better support residents with autism. Plenty of resources are provided for staff to explore on their own time to increase their individual knowledge and skills surrounding the topic.

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Resources Mentioned

Understanding the Expectations of Students with Autism to Increase Satisfaction with the On-Campus Living Experience [Journal Article]

003 – Resident Assistant Hiring Decisions [Podcast Episode]

Hiring Decisions of Graduate Assistant and Full-Time Hall Directors on Resident Assistant Recruitment [Journal Article]

Autism Speaks [Organization]

Texas A&M Explores Living Learning Community for Those on Autism Spectrum [News Article]

Talking Stick [Magazine]

College Autism Network [Organization]

Students with Asperger Syndrome: A Guide for College Personnel [Book]

College Autism Network Training Courses[Training Courses]

FEMA Independent Study Courses [Certifications]

Committee on Publication Ethics Cases [Organization]