A spectrum of support: current and best practices for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at community colleges

This publication is included in the Autistic Autism Scholarship Project. one author of this publication is identified as autistic in the project.

About the autistic author marker

Metadata sources used for this reference

OpenAlex Crossref BibTeX OpenCitations
Learn more about the sources used

Brown, K. R. & Coomes, M. D. (2015). A spectrum of support: current and best practices for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at community colleges. Community College Journal of Research and Practice, 40(6), 465-479. https://doi.org/10.1080/10668926.2015.1067171

Publication date: 9 Nov 2015 Added to AutiHub: 9 Oct 2026 Type: Article Article language: English
Publisher source (DOI) OpenAlex source

This publication is integrated into AutiHub through:

Authors

Publication authors
2
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 2 (50.0%)
  1. Kirsten R. Brown *
  2. Michael D. Coomes

Abstract

More than 50% of all college students with a disability enroll in public 2-year institutions. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a type of disability that affects a growing number of students in postsecondary education. Currently, over 70% of 2-year public institutions enroll students with ASD. In spite of increased awareness, the vast majority of existing ASD research focused on primary and secondary education. Research on practices that support students with disabilities in the community college environment is imperative for promoting student success. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to explore current and best practices that support students with ASD at 2-year public, postsecondary institutions. A web-based tool was used to survey a nationally representative sample of disability service professionals from 367 2-year, public institutions (35.4% response rate). Our results show reasonable accommodations with an academic focus (e.g., extended exam time) were provided more frequently than sensory accommodations. General support services that focused on the transition to college were offered by 42% of the institutions surveyed, and 26% of institutions supplied ASD-specific services. These results indicated that many institutions provide students with a baseline level of academic accommodations; however, accommodations and support services that specifically target the functional limitations of ASD are offered less frequently. Best practices for supporting students with ASD were synthesized and implications for practice were discussed.

Bibliography cited by this reference

Cited references are imported from external metadata sources when they are available. The list may be partial.

Cited bibliography overview

These indicators describe the bibliography cited by this publication. An author name is counted each time it appears in one cited reference, so the same person can be counted more than once. Names not yet linked to an author already present in AutiHub are treated as unknown, not as non-autistic. Last computed: 28 Oct 2026 01:01.

Cited references
77
With a DOI
33
Without a DOI, from raw bibliography text
33
4 / 77 (5.2%) cited references include at least one author identified as autistic.
References with data to complete
18 / 77 (23.4%)
References with detected author names
69 / 77 (89.6%)
Without detected author names
8
Without a structured title
15
Without a stable identifier
25
References with raw author names still to review
3
References with external metadata lookup issues
1
These indicators apply to cited references displayed on this page, after technical duplicates have been merged. A reference without a DOI can still support author statistics when a title and author names are available.
Author names detected in the cited bibliography
129
From DOI or external metadata
129
From validated raw bibliography text
0
Raw names already validated
0
Raw names still to review
4
14 / 129 (10.9%) names are linked to an author already present in AutiHub. 115 / 129 (89.1%) names are not yet linked.
Names linked to a person identified as autistic
5 / 129 (3.9%)
Calculated across all author names detected in the cited bibliography. Among names linked to an author already present in AutiHub: 5 / 14 (35.7%). Distinct people identified as autistic: 5 / 123 (4.1%).
  1. Sheryl Burgstahler (2003). 10: Accommodating Students with Disabilities: Professional Development Needs of Faculty . To Improve the Academy, 21(1), 179-195. University of Michigan Library.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1002/j.2334-4822.2003.tb00387.x OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W72068283
    OpenAlex
  2. (2014). Neurodevelopmental Disorders . In Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition. American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc.
    Type: Book chapter DOI: 10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596.514988 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W4299385647
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  3. Kristi Wilson , Elizabeth Getzel , Tracey Brown (2000). Enhancing the post-secondary campus climate for students with disabilities . Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 14(1), 37-50. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.3233/jvr-2000-00063 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1778417722
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  4. Kimberley Raue , Laurie Lewis (2011). Students with disabilities at degree-granting postsecondary institutions (NCES 2011-018) . National Center for Education Statistics.
    Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W80844423
    Crossref OpenAlex
  5. Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Pub. L. No 101-336, § 2, 104 Stat. 328 (1991).
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  6. Noelle K. Kurth , Daryl F. Mellard (2006). Student perceptions of the accommodation process in postsecondary education. Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 19(1), 71.
    Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W85460253
    OpenAlex
  7. Elizabeth Madson Ankeny , Jean P. Lehmann (2010). The Transition Lynchpin: The Voices of Individuals with Disabilities Who Attended a Community College Transition Program . Community College Journal of Research and Practice, 34(6), 477-496. Informa UK Limited.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1080/10668920701382773 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2064946499
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  8. (n.d.). CIT0053
    Type: Other DOI: 10.1207/ldrp.1999.14.issue-3
    Crossref OpenCitations
  9. Wendy S. Harbour (2009). The Relationship between Institutional Unit and Administrative Features of Disability Services Offices in Higher Education. The Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 21(3), 138-154.
    Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W115324124
    OpenAlex
  10. Bedrossian L. E. (2007). College students with asperger syndrome: Practical strategies for academic and social success . College students with asperger syndrome: Practical strategies for academic and social success.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  11. Manuel Madriaga (2010). ‘I avoid pubs and the student union like the plague’: Students with Asperger Syndrome and their negotiation of university spaces . Children's Geographies, 8(1), 39-50. Informa UK Limited.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1080/14733280903500166 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1995382404
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  12. Caroline P. Smith (2007). Support Services for Students with Asperger's Syndrome in Higher Education . College student journal, 41(3), 515-531.
    Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W146021411
    OpenAlex
  13. Gert Biesta (2010). Pragmatism and the Philosophical Foundations of Mixed Methods Research1 . In SAGE Handbook of Mixed Methods in Social & Behavioral Research (pp. 95-118). SAGE Publications, Inc..
    Type: Book chapter DOI: 10.4135/9781506335193.n4 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1554267805
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  14. Ken Gobbo , Solvegi Shmulsky (2014). Faculty Experience With College Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders . Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 29(1), 13-22. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1177/1088357613504989 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2163309877
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  15. Mary Elizabeth Collins , Carol T. Mowbray (2008). Students with Psychiatric Disabilities on Campus: Examining Predictors of Enrollment with Disability Support Services. The Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 21(2), 91-104.
    Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W153404784
    OpenAlex
  16. E. Amanda Boutot , Brenda Smith Myles (2011). Autism Spectrum Disorders: Foundations, characteristics, and effective strategies . Autism Spectrum Disorders: Foundations, characteristics, and effective strategies.
    Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W623022908
    Crossref OpenAlex
  17. Susan Hetherington , Lisa Durant-Jones , Kimberly Johnson , Karen Nolan , Elizabeth G. Smith , Susan Taylor-Brown et al. (2010). The Lived Experiences of Adolescents with Disabilities and Their Parents in Transition Planning . Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 25(3), 163-172. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1177/1088357610373760 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2123371611
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  18. Sheryl Burgstahler , Elizabeth Moore (2009). Making Student Services Welcoming and Accessible Through Accommodations and Universal Design . The Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 21(3), 155-174.
    Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W236303111
    OpenAlex
  19. Brown K. (2015). Student engagement in higher education: Theoretical perspectives and practical approaches for diverse populations . Student engagement in higher education: Theoretical perspectives and practical approaches for diverse populations.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  20. Kelly D. Roberts (2010). Topic Areas to Consider When Planning Transition From High School to Postsecondary Education for Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders . Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 25(3), 158-162. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1177/1088357610371476 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2128679516
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  21. Burgstahler S. (2002). To improve the academy: Resources for faculty, instructional, and organizational development . To improve the academy: Resources for faculty, instructional, and organizational development, 21, 181.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  22. Phame M. Camarena , Pamela A. Sarigiani (2009). Postsecondary Educational Aspirations of High-Functioning Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorders and Their Parents . Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 24(2), 115-128. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1177/1088357609332675 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2143461831
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  23. Juane Heflin , Donna Fiorino Alaimo (2007). Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Effective instructional practices .
    Type: Book OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W638864627
    Crossref OpenAlex
  24. Burgstahler S. (2009). CIT0009 Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 21(3), 151.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  25. R. Burke Johnson , Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie (2004). Mixed Methods Research: A Research Paradigm Whose Time Has Come . Educational Researcher, 33(7), 14-26. American Educational Research Association (AERA).
    Type: Article DOI: 10.3102/0013189x033007014 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2122838852
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  26. Lorraine E. Wolf , Jane Thierfeld Brown , G. Ruth Kukiela Bork , Fred R. Volkmar , Ami Klin (2009). Students with Asperger Syndrome: A guide for college personnel .
    Type: Book OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W640975948
    Crossref OpenAlex
  27. Hazel Denhart (2008). Deconstructing Barriers . Journal of Learning Disabilities, 41(6), 483-497. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1177/0022219408321151 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2125585738
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  28. Dawn Prince-Hughes * (2002). Aquamarine blue 5: Personal stories of college students with autism .
    Type: Book OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W653166389
    Crossref OpenAlex
  29. Center for Disease Control , Prevention (2014). Community report on autism . Community report on autism.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  30. Donna M. Korbel , Joan M. McGuire , Manju Banerjee , Sue A. Saunders (2011). Transition strategies to ensure active student engagement . New Directions for Student Services, 2011(134), 35-46. Wiley.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1002/ss.393 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2104409693
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  31. Dinah Murray * (2006). Coming out Asperger: Diagnosis, disclosure and self confidence .
    Type: Book OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W655084204
    Crossref OpenAlex
  32. Collins M. E. (2008). CIT0013 Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 21(2), 91.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  33. Carney Strange (2000). Creating Environments of Ability . New Directions for Student Services, 2000(91), 19-30. Wiley.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1002/ss.9102 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2062570080
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  34. Elizabeth Evans Getzel , Paul Wehman (2005). Going to College: Expanding Opportunities for People with Disabilities.
    Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1481291300
    OpenAlex
  35. Cook L. (2007). CIT0014 Learning Disabilities, 14(3), 205.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  36. Vasti Torres (2006). A Mixed Method Study Testing Data-Model Fit of a Retention Model for Latino/a Students at Urban Universities . Journal of College Student Development, 47(3), 299-318. Project MUSE.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1353/csd.2006.0037 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2078839247
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  37. Mary Wagner , Lynn Newman , Renée Cameto , Nicolle Garza , Phyllis Levine (2005). After high school: A first look at the postschool experiences of youth with disabilities . After high school: A first look at the postschool experiences of youth with disabilities.
    Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1483094965
    Crossref OpenAlex
  38. Creswell J. W. (2003). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches . Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  39. Ken Gobbo , Solvegi Shmulsky (2012). Classroom Needs of Community College Students with Asperger's Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorders . Community College Journal of Research and Practice, 36(1), 40-46. Informa UK Limited.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1080/10668920903381813 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2045477114
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  41. Duffy J. T. (2005). Going to college: Expanding opportunities for people with disabilities . Going to college: Expanding opportunities for people with disabilities.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  42. Paul Wehman , Marcia Datlow Smith , Carol Schall (2008). Autism & the Transition to Adulthood: Success Beyond the Classroom .
    Type: Book OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1568407141
    Crossref OpenAlex
  43. Fowler F. J. (2002). Survey research methods . Survey research methods.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  44. Dorothy F. Garrison-Wade , Jean P. Lehmann (2009). A Conceptual Framework for Understanding Students' with Disabilities Transition to Community College . Community College Journal of Research and Practice, 33(5), 415-443. Informa UK Limited.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1080/10668920802640079 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2171741485
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  45. Don Quick , Jean Lehmann , Terry Deniston (2003). OPENING DOORS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES ON COMMUNITY COLLEGE CAMPUSES: WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED? WHAT DO WE STILL NEED TO KNOW? Community College Journal of Research and Practice, 27(9-10), 815-827. Informa UK Limited.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1080/713838274 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2010421028
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  46. Ketevan Mamiseishvili , Lynn C. Koch (2011). First-to-Second-Year Persistence of Students With Disabilities in Postsecondary Institutions in the United States . Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 54(2), 93-105. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1177/0034355210382580 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1971433135
    OpenAlex
  47. Susan R. Jones (1996). Toward Inclusive Theory . NASPA Journal, 33(4), 347-354. Informa UK Limited.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1080/00220973.1996.11072421 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2515521399
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  48. Abbas Tashakkori , Charles Teddlie (2010). SAGE Handbook of Mixed Methods in Social & Behavioral Research . SAGE Publications, Inc..
    Type: Book DOI: 10.4135/9781506335193 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1994324487
    OpenAlex
  49. C RUNYAN , M YONAS (2008). Conceptual Frameworks for Developing and Comparing Approaches to Improve Adolescent Motor-Vehicle Safety . American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 35(3), S336-S342. Elsevier BV.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2008.06.019 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2107724340
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  50. Harbour W. S. (2009). CIT0023 Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 21(3), 138.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  51. Susan A. Vogel , Yona Leyser , Sharon Wyland , Andrew Brulle (1999). Students With Learning Disabilities in Higher Education: Faculty Attitude and Practices . Learning Disabilities Research and Practice, 14(3), 173-186. Informa UK Limited.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1207/sldrp1403_5 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2003501317
    OpenAlex
  52. Julie F. Smart , David W. Smart (2006). Models of Disability: Implications for the Counseling Profession . Journal of Counseling & Development, 84(1), 29-40. Wiley.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1002/j.1556-6678.2006.tb00377.x OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2120918402
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  53. Miguel Pinto Caldas (2003). Research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches . Revista de Administração Contemporânea, 7(1), 223-223. FapUNIFESP (SciELO).
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1590/s1415-65552003000100015 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2021365718
    OpenAlex
  54. Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, 20 U. S. C. § 1400 (2004).
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  55. Susan Losh-Hesselbart , Floyd J. Fowler (1985). Survey Research Methods. Journal of the American Statistical Association, 80(392), 1077. JSTOR.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.2307/2288598 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2035982357
    OpenAlex
  56. Lillian T. Eby (2003). Book Review: Survey Research Methods, 3rd ed., by Floyd J. Fowler Jr. (2002). Thousand Oaks, Ca: Sage. Organizational Research Methods, 6(1), 135-138. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1177/109442812003006001009 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2060460867
    OpenAlex
  57. Kaplin W. A. (2007). The law of higher education . The law of higher education.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  58. Kasnitz D. (2011). Preliminary report & chartbook: The 2010 biennial AHEAD survey of disability services and resource professionals in higher education . Preliminary report & chartbook: The 2010 biennial AHEAD survey of disability services and resource professionals in higher education.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  59. Kurth N. (2006). CIT0032 Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 19, 71.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  60. Mamiseishvili K. (2010). CIT0034 Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  61. Susan A. Vogel , Janet K. Holt , Steven R. Sligar , Elizabeth Leake (2008). Assessment of Campus Climate to Enhance Student Success . The Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 21(1), 15-31.
    Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2112418053
    OpenAlex
  62. Lynn Newman , Mary Wagner , Renée Cameto , Anne-Marie Knokey , Debra Shaver (2010). Comparisons across time of the outcomes of youth with disabilities up to 4 years after high school. A report of findings from the National Longitudinal Transition Study (NLTS) and the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (NLTS-2) . Comparisons across time of the outcomes of youth with disabilities up to 4 years after high school. A report of findings from the National Longitudinal Transition Study (NLTS) and the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (NLTS-2).
    Type: Article DOI: 10.13140/rg.2.2.34441.77925 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2238225539
    Crossref OpenAlex
  63. Peña E. V. (2013). CIT0038 Journal of Applied Research in Community Colleges, 20(2), 5.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  64. (1998). CIT0042 Amendments of 1974, 29 U.S.C. sec, 794.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  65. Kirsten R. Brown * , Ellen M. Broido (2015). Engaging Students with Disabilities .
    Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2262638836
    OpenAlex
  66. Edlyn Vallejo Peña , Jodie Kocur (2013). Parents’ Experiences in the Transition of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders to Community College . Journal of applied research in the community college, 20(2).
    Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2302247781
    OpenAlex
  67. Manfred Bergman (2008). Advances in Mixed Methods Research . SAGE Publications Ltd.
    Type: Book DOI: 10.4135/9780857024329 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2478812626
    OpenAlex
  68. Smith C. P. (2007). CIT0047 College Student Journal, 41(3), 515.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  69. Southeastern University Community College v. Davis, 442 U. S. 397 (1979).
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  70. Lysandra Cook , Mary Hennessey , Bryan G. Cook , Phillip D. Rumrill (2006). The Views of University Faculty Members and Service Providers Regarding the Increased Enrollment of Students with Learning Disabilities . Learning Disabilities: a Multidisciplinary Journal, 14(3), 205-216.
    Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2724169216
    OpenAlex
  71. Tashakkori A. (2008). Advances in mixed methods research . Advances in mixed methods research.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  72. Judith E. Miller , James E. Groccia (2011). To Improve the Academy: Resources for Faculty, Instructional, and Organizational Development .
    Type: Book OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2741996857
    OpenAlex
  73. (2015). Americans with Disabilities . Routledge.
    Type: Book DOI: 10.4324/9781315865737 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2913552620
    OpenAlex
  74. U.S. Department of Health , Human Services, Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (2010). Strategic plan for Autism Spectrum Disorder research (NIH Publication No. Strategic plan for Autism Spectrum Disorder research (NIH Publication No..
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  75. (2006). Learning Disabilities . In Encyclopedic Reference of Genomics and Proteomics in Molecular Medicine (pp. 962-962). Springer Berlin Heidelberg.
    Type: Book chapter DOI: 10.1007/3-540-29623-9_7625 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W4229973322
    OpenAlex
  76. Vogel S. A. (2008). CIT0054 Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 21, 15.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  77. Vogel S. A. (2006). CIT0055 Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 18, 109.
    Type: Other
    Crossref