I am pleased to announce the imminent publication of my co-authored literature review in the Journal of Educational Thought issue which is presently in press as Volume 51, No. 3. The manuscript was co-authored with the esteemed Dr. Marlon Simmons of the University of Calgary.

Title: Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Implications For Higher Education:  A Literature Review

Please note that while we normally use the term Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), ASD is used in this literature review title in order to ensure easy location of the article in academic search engines. The term autism spectrum condition (ASC) is not yet in common use in academia.

ABSTRACT: This literature review focuses on the experiences of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) students in higher education. We pay particular attention to how ASD students transition from high school into post-secondary education and what supports are beneficial to their educational careers. Our purpose is to understand how autistic students can experience greater success in higher education. Guiding questions for our review are: 1) What factors might contribute to how autistic students learn in the context of higher education? 2) How do autistic students experience post-secondary education? Findings of the literature review point to transition plans; person-centred supports; and innovative leadership, policies, and actions as factors that contribute to ASD students’ learning in higher education.

A great gathering of leaders coming together to share ideas, innovations, and best practices. It was a pleasure to teach and learn with all of you!

Grateful to be a part of this large conference in Rotterdam both as a doctoral student with my own autism research underway and an Editor on the Board of the Autism in Adulthood scientific journal whose launch happened at this conference.

May 2nd…in Calgary co-speaking at this conference. Thank you team…great job!

May 1st…working hard with this group was an honour. Part visioning, part confirming, part team building. Well done all!

I am honoured to be named an Editorial Board member of the new scientific journal Autism in Adulthood. Autism in Adulthood is the hub for research on issues that affect adults on the autism spectrum. 1 in 54 people (CDC, 2020) are diagnosed with autism and it has become the fastest growing developmental disability being diagnosed in the U.S. (CDC, 2008 via Autism Society website). Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) is usually diagnosed in childhood however, more adults today are being diagnosed having lived a lifetime without fully understanding their uniqueness. Autism in Adulthood is proud to have autistic Editorial Board members including myself, and many autistic peer-reviewers. My commitment to scientific autism inquiry extends to my own doctoral research which centres around innovative leadership, policies, and practices that create successful pathways for autistic students in a post-secondary context. Currently I am co-authoring a literature review on Autism and the implications for higher education with Dr. Marlon Simmons of the University of Calgary.

 

I’m grateful to work with wonderful leaders whom I admire at this leadership retreat in Victoria, B.C. We spent time team bonding, reviewing the last strategic plan, and developing the new strategic plan with actionable items. I wish them all the best in 2018!

September in Blue Mountain. Speaking to a wonderful group introducing Robert Kegan and Lisa Lahey’s work “Immunity to Change”. Important transformational leadership tools that work congruently with Heifetz’s adaptive leadership. Thank you CAEM!

It was a distinct pleasure being on the panel at Adler University and speaking with the clinical psychologist grad class on all things leadership. A great group of change makers who are ready to put their mark on the world. It was an honour to share time with each of them.

15 years after doing my Masters degree I’ve decided to take on my Doctoral degree. I’ve started the journey and I’m excited for the learning opportunity. I am studying Leadership, Policy, & Governance in a post-secondary context and my research question is as follows:

How can higher education leaders, faculty, and professional staff enhance services and outcomes for autistic students in higher education in Canada?