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Working with College Students on the Autism Spectrum: Tips Series

We’re revisiting some of our Instructor/Professor tips for working with students who are on the autism spectrum; especially students typically classified as high functioning or having Asperger’s Syndrome/Disorder.

By definition all students with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have problems which may interfere with receptive or expressive communication. Many of these students who enroll in college are not disabled; some are, but the challenges are real and can create significant difficulties in the classroom regardless.

Some of these unique differences are subtle and can lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations of the students’ actions.

Tip:  Each student with ASD has very unique challenges so it’s important (when possible) for instructors to get to know the student to facilitate her or his understanding of the challenges for that student.

Over the next few weeks we’re going to re-post some of our previous tips that faculty members may find helpful when working with students on the Autism Spectrum.

For more information, please contact us at klass@utk.edu or 865-974-6177.