"The Beacon on Campus": How an Autism-Specific Community College Support Program Addresses Ableism and Autism Acceptance

Abstract:Autism-specific college support programs (ASPs) are emerging to create more equitable transitions into higher education for autistic students. Such programming is necessary to guide autistic students' journeys as they navigate academia with greater agency. This case study, drawing on the social justice model of disability, explores how an ASP works to dismantle ableism on a community college campus. Findings suggest how the ASP gained legitimacy, surmounted challenges, and promoted autism acceptance in its quest to disrupt institutional ableism and, consequently, transform its campus into a more welcoming space for autistic students. Student affairs practitioners can draw on findings to eradicate ableist practices and messaging within their campus spaces.