Autism in College Students

This study was conducted to better understand autism, as well as to determine how prevalent it is and why it is becoming more common. A survey was carried out to learn how many characteristics of autism Skagit Valley College students have in common. In order to distinguish the characteristics that are specific to autism from other disorders, research was conducted making use of previously published information and autistic related interviews.

The prevalence of autism is widely published. Sources list the current rate of autism to be between 1 and 150-166. The causes of autism are being debated amongst professionals, including genetic reasons and environmental. Research indicated that early treatment could provide much greater success in the reduction of symptoms of autism. New guidelines have made autism screening a priority for pediatricians.

The study used previous research to gather data and lead in the discussion of why autism is becoming more prevalent and the characteristics that distinguish it from other disorders.

Method

Participants

77 Skagit Valley College students were surveyed. Students were selected by availability and willingness to fill out the survey. No gender, ethnic, age, or racial motivators were present. The only criteria for participants were that they be Skagit valley College students.

The office manager of Skagit Pediatrics was interviewed because of her involvement with the autism screening process. An R.N./Nurse Clinician at Children’s Hospital was interviewed because of his direct work with autistic children. Children’s Hospital was a prime choice because it treats and diagnosis autistic patients. The project coordinator of the University of Washington Autism Center was interviewed because of a newsletter identifying the centers new studies on early intervention.

Measurements

The survey conducted was titled “Student Survey”, and asked a variety of questions based on the characteristics of autism. The students were asked to circle a number between 1 and 7; with the spectrum situated in order to place the higher number chosen with more autistic characteristics. Essentially, the higher numbers would mean the more characteristic of autism. The responses would be totaled, with a possible range of responses between 13 and 91. The last question on the survey asked whether or not the participant was, or had an immediate family member who had been diagnosed with autism.

Procedure

The research process began by collecting background information about autism spectrum disorders using ProQuest, EPSCOHost, and the Internet. Using the information provided to see what research had already been done, the topic of study was narrowed down to the causes, prevalence, and characteristics of autism. The research team prepared questions to ask Skagit Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital, and the University of Washington Autism Center. The questions indicated what kinds of autism related work each organization took part in, and requested any information the interviewees had available about the causes, prevalence, and characteristics of autism.