The Needs of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder Regarding Social Relationships and the Forms of Support They May Receive in the Academic Environment
The Needs of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder Regarding Social Relationships and the Forms of Support They May Receive in the Academic Environment

Summary/Abstract: Social relationships are a key aspect of academic functioning of students on the autism spectrum, contributing to their mental well-being and educational success. In the traditional line of research, the roots of difficulties in social relationships of individuals on the autism spectrum are found in their biologically conditioned abnormalities within cognitive mechanisms. The social perspective points to the significant role of social context, cultural norms, and the way the environment is organized, which can hinder the participation of individuals in social interactions. The paper addresses the issue of social relationships of students on the autism spectrum in the academic environment. Referring to the still limited research in this field and to personal experiences from teaching work with students, an attempt was made to justify and define the needs and possibilities of supporting students with autism in establishing satisfactory social relationships in the academic environment. Difficulties and the consequences of experiencing failures in attempts to engage in academic activities were indicated. The needs and possibilities of supporting students in developing positive relationships with peers and university staff - seen as the foundation of academic success and further opportunities for social inclusion - were also presented.

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