Strengthening Transitions for Autistic Students Across York University within Accessibility Services

In February 2014, the Ministry, Colleges and Universities (MCU) announced that it would allocate $212,000 over three years to York University for a pilot project to support Autistic students transitioning to post-secondary education from high school. Developed through a systematic collaborative effort between post-secondary educational institutions, school boards, and the MCU, Strengthening Transitions for Students with Autism aimed to support high school students, their families, and other service providers in accessing information, applying, enrolling, and succeeding in their post-secondary studies.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the brain and nervous system, manifesting as a social-communication difference. People with Autism are born with it and experience the social world differently than non-autistic individuals, making initiating, maintaining, and nurturing social relationships challenging. Autistic people may struggle to understand the hidden expectations of social situations and have difficulty communicating their needs, desires, and feelings in ways that non-autistic people can easily understand. Autism is not a mental health problem and cannot be "cured." It is essential to recognize the diversity within the autistic community, including varying abilities, differences, and intersecting identities like gender, race, culture, and socioeconomic status, to provide appropriate care and support.

Former Director of Student Accessibility Services (SAS) in Counselling & Disability Services (CDS), Maureen Barnes, developed a program in which the transition program aligns with the core values and principles of diversity and equity for all students. Barnes contended that "this project focuses on a group that, without these kinds of supports, might not be successful." She added that this aligns with York's ongoing commitment to expanding accessibility, diversity, and representation on its campus and within the community.

The pilot project is a collaboration between several key partners, including the MCU, the Ministry of Education; the Ministry of Community and Social Services; the Toronto District School Board, Seneca College, Algonquin College, Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB), and York University.

Accomplishments of the Strengthening Transitions Program include:

• Increase in the number of registered autistic students at York University (Accessibility Services) from 2014 - 2023
• Significant improvement in retention rates
• An overall increase in the rate of credit accumulation among student cohorts after 2014
• An expanded effort to grow campus relationships and enhance awareness across both the Keele and Glendon campuses
• Sharing information with other colleges and universities in Ontario
• Working more closely with Faculty
• Supporting student wellness
• Improving understanding of intersectionality and barriers that students face
• Developing more robust relationships with families and other supporting players

By addressing the unique challenges faced by Autistic students, the Strengthening Transitions Program has successfully created a more inclusive and supportive environment for these students at York University, setting an example for other institutions to follow.

One of the central objectives of the Strengthening Transitions Program is collaborating with York Faculty and campus staff to deepen their understanding of the needs of autistic students in the classroom and throughout the wider campus environment. It is crucial to recognize that Autism is not a disorder requiring a cure, nor is it a mental health issue. The autistic community is diverse, encompassing individuals with a broad spectrum of abilities and differences. The experiences and life paths of Autistic people are influenced by their gender, race, culture, socioeconomic status and other identifying factors. Academic institutions must consider these factors to provide appropriate care and support.

For more information, please contact Raymond Peart (he/him), Autism Program Coordinator, Student Accessibility Services, Ph.D. Candidate, Faculty of Education at rpeart@yorku.ca.