“I just need a little more support”: A thematic analysis of autistic students’ experience of university in France

Abstract

BackgroundWhilst little is known about the experience and needs of autistic students in France, limited research has explored the experiences of autistic students in French higher education. The current study sought to fill this gap in the literature using a qualitative research design to ask: how do autistic students experience higher education in France? MethodSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 autistic students (8 female, 2 male & 5 ‘other’). ResultsThematic analysis identified four themes: Searching for belonging, Autism identity and disclosure, Managing anxiety and fatigue, and Working with others. The analysis describes the complex journey that participants faced when accessing and completing higher education in France. Whilst the journey was often characterized by intense anxiety and fatigue, the experience of university could also facilitate access to new academic interests, and the opportunity to connect with likeminded individuals perhaps for the first time. ConclusionsResults from the current study can contribute to the development of policy and practice that aims to better support autistic students in higher education. Of note, autistic students highlighted their elevated risk of drop-out owing to anxiety and fatigue caused by: difficulties planning and managing workload, sensorial overwhelm and administrative stress. Participants therefore highlighted the need for proactive personalized support and the need for supportive peer relationships.