A New Perspective on Support Groups for Social and Communication Difficulties in Universities

The significant demands on a neuro-diverse, entry-level, undergraduate, without formal diagnosis or understanding of ASC, are high-risk regarding social isolation. Even with a diagnosis they can struggle to adjust. This... [ view full abstract ]

The significant demands on a neuro-diverse, entry-level, undergraduate, without formal diagnosis or understanding of ASC, are high-risk regarding social isolation. Even with a diagnosis they can struggle to adjust. This vulnerable group often fly under the radar as they typically meet academic requirements, whilst social difficulties go unnoticed and wellbeing is threatened.
Happiness has been shown to impact upon performance, so teaching establishments with good support in place are likely to gain higher results and levels of student satisfaction. Support groups for ASC are generally based upon typically understood characteristics and needs, however with the widening canopy of ASC, and lack of formal diagnosis and understanding, such groups need flexibility; thus encouraging people, who may shun the idea of a label, or do not have any diagnosis, to engage.
This support can be provided in a group setting; such a group is currently being run as a pilot scheme. Group members have personally chosen to attend, as and when they feel able, and are actively involved in developing the program; questionnaires, both qualitative and quantitative, have been used as feedback. This paper is an overview of how interaction with discussion about the topics covered, and the experience of group support, impacts upon the wellbeing of its members. The findings indicate that this group is instrumental in promoting raised levels of wellbeing and happiness in its members, and the application of this approach has potential for being applied to multiple settings.

All group members have been happy to complete consent forms, allowing observations and conversations to be used, on the understanding that confidentiality and anonymity will be respected. [ view full abstract ]

All group members have been happy to complete consent forms, allowing observations and conversations to be used, on the understanding that confidentiality and anonymity will be respected.