The High Achievers Project
This independent research project investigates current approaches to supporting students with autism studying at universities in the United Kingdom.
The percentage of students with autism in universities is increasing year on year. The Higher Education Statistical Agency recorded a rise of 77% in the number of students identified as having autism in UK Universities in the three years to 2010-11 (see [1] below). Applications to the University of Cambridge from students with Asperger syndrome (AS) increased by 219% over the five years to 2012/13. The Cambridge AS student project report states: ‘Students with AS at university are by definition very high achievers and the NAO [National Audit Office] 2009 report recognises university as a desirable option for academically gifted students with AS’ (see [2] below).
Having an autism-friendly approach to supporting these students should enable them to fulfil their potential, enhance university performance, make a significant contribution to raising academic standards, and improve the student experience.
[1] http://www.hesa.ac.uk/index.php/content/view/1973/239/
[2] Hastwell, J., Harding, J., Martin, N., & Baron-Cohen, S. Asperger Syndrome Student Project, 2009-12: Final Project Report, June 2013.
Final Paper
The ‘High Achievers’ project: an assessment of the support for students with autism attending UK universities
The High Achievers Survey of United Kingdom Universities
Final Report
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(click icon to open Final Report PDF)