Post published on Bluesky on 18 Jan 2026 11:52

Abstract

As autistic student postsecondary enrolment increases, it is essential to examine relevant factors to inform the development/delivery of supports and services to optimize retention and success. Based on data extracted from the National College Health Assessment (NCHA-III) survey (2023) distributed to Atlantic Canadian students (N = 1694), Chi square tests assessed whether response frequencies of autistic students varied from a matched, non-autistic student sample in terms of academic, mental health, social, and university belongingness variables. A hierarchical regression subsequently explored whether these factors predicted positive mental health (PMH), and potential to flourish. Approximately 3.0 % of the entire sample (n = 50; mean age 27.0 years, SD=7.55) reported autism, and relative to the control group, were equally likely to be at the undergraduate/graduate level, enrolled in every faculty, achieve an ‘A’ grade, and report ‘excellent/very good’ health, academic and faculty issues, and university belongingness. However, autistic students were significantly more likely to report psychological distress, suicidality risk, social exclusion/isolation, problems with peers, microaggression, as well as poorer class performance, and degree completion delays due to anxiety and/ordepression. Stronger university belongingness significantly predicted higher PMH for autistic students and may therefore be a central, multidimensional indicator of potential to flourish. Implication of findings are considered. ● Autistic university students were compared to a matched sample of non-autistic peers. ● Academic performance, faculty affiliation, and university belonging were comparable. ● Poorer mental health and social challenges were more likely among autistic students. ● University belonging was a unique predictor of flourishing among autistic students.