The health of college students on the autism spectrum as compared to their neurotypical peers

Journal article

Data from an online survey of undergraduate students at 14 colleges and universities were used to estimate the association of autism with six physical and mental health outcomes, accounting for comorbidity with other disabilities (learning disability, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, sensory impairment, mobility impairment, mental health disorder, or other disabilities). Autism status was determined based on registration for disability accommodations based on autism and/or self-reports of an autism diagnosis. Health outcomes included self-rated physical health, self-rated mental health, depressive symptoms, symptoms of anxiety, sleep deprivation, and binge drinking. Students with autism reported poorer self-rated physical and mental health, more depressive symptoms, and more symptoms of anxiety than other students, even in the presence of controls for other disabilities. Students with autism also reported a lower likelihood of sleep deprivation and binge drinking than other students. Our results extend previous research on the health correlates of autism by considering additional indicators of health and by incorporating a direct comparison to neurotypical students. They encourage consideration of how health services for students with autism can be improved, especially for mental health problems, and argue for integrated support services that address the full constellation of physical and mental health challenges that students on the spectrum experience.

Authors: McLeod, JD; Hawbaker, A; Meanwell, E

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Journal: Autism
• Volume: 25
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 719-730
• Publication date: 2020-06-18
• Acceptance date: 2020-04-21
• DOI: 10.1177/1362361320926070
• EISSN: 1461-7005
• ISSN: 1362-3613
• Language: English
• Keywords: college students; disability comorbidity; autism spectrum disorders