An Emerging Population: Supporting Adults with ASD in Higher Education: the Occupational Therapists Role

Background: Over the past ten years, the number of children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has increased dramatically (Olsson, Thoren-Jonsson & Martensson, 2013). According to Tantam (1991), the... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
Over the past ten years, the number of children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has increased dramatically (Olsson, Thoren-Jonsson & Martensson, 2013). According to Tantam (1991), the effects of ASD are greatest in adulthood, with more and more adults presenting to mental health services in search of support. Equally so, there has been a huge increase in the number of students entering higher education with ASD, who experience challenges in occupational domains such as activities of daily living, education, and sleep (APA, 2013). However Occupational Therapists feel unprepared and unskilled in supporting this group of people.

The aim of this paper is to present practice approaches to supporting occupational therapists in their work with adults with ASD.


Theoretical underpinning/Techniques:
The Person-Environment-Occupation Model (Law, et al, 1996), is a useful lens for supporting students with ASD, and will be used to explore the interplay between the student and his/her occupation within a given context, such as the higher education institute, to enable participation in their meaningful roles.


Evaluation of outcome:
Interventions targeting increased participation in daily occupations span the work of many professionals, however a dearth of literature exists exploring the needs and supports for students within higher education with ASD, particularly within occupational therapy literature. Therefore, as OTs we must establish our role, as we are well placed to promote occupational engagement.

Application to practice:
This presentation will provide OT’s with suggestions for developing therapeutic relationships with people with ASD and the student role.