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Autistic Students' Communication Experiences in Group Work: A Mixed Methods Study

Drexler, Sherilyn

Abstract Details

2024, Master of Science (MS), Bowling Green State University, Communication Disorders.
Participation in group work is a common experience shared by students in higher education. Effective group work relies heavily on interpersonal communication skills and individual understanding of the interactional dynamics between group members. Autistic students, as neurominority members within universities, often face challenges with group work. In this study, we explored the experiences and preferences in communication of autistic college students in their interactions with peers and professors. Using a mixed-methods research design with a participatory approach, we interviewed ten autistic college students about their experiences with group work. The participating students also completed a survey rating their preferences and perspectives on group work. We used an interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach to analyze the interview transcripts, and we analyzed survey data descriptively. Results on students’ communication experiences with group work resulted in six themes, including experiences of communication challenges in group work, social exclusion, the need for pleasing people, the need for self-advocacy and communication skills that aligned with non-autistic norms, and finally, students shared what they would find helpful in group work engagement. Students’ responses on recommendations for professors revealed three themes, including the option to choose individual over group work, the need for proactive planning, and ongoing support.
Siva priya Santhanam, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Victoria VanUitert, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Brent Archer, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
122 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Drexler, S. (2024). Autistic Students' Communication Experiences in Group Work: A Mixed Methods Study [Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1711710885717043

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Drexler, Sherilyn. Autistic Students' Communication Experiences in Group Work: A Mixed Methods Study. 2024. Bowling Green State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1711710885717043.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Drexler, Sherilyn. "Autistic Students' Communication Experiences in Group Work: A Mixed Methods Study." Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University, 2024. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1711710885717043

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)