A scoping review of research trends and future directions for research on the experiences of autistic students and staff in post-secondary education

Numbers of autistic students and staff studying or working in postsecondary educational settings have grown since the international adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).This has been accompanied by an increase in research exploring their experiences in these settings.This scoping review sought to develop an overview of research trends in this area and identify important considerations for future research.Systematic database searches identified 93 peer-reviewed articles.Data were extracted to summarise research trends from January 2007 to June 2021.Results showed a substantial increase in studies since 2017.Studies were largely confined to the USA and focused on the experiences of autistic students.Only five studies addressed the experiences of autistic staff.The student-focused literature was primarily based in university settings and explored a range of topics, including academic experiences and experiences of support services.There was a limited focus on the social and physical environments in post-secondary settings for autistic students and staff, and there was limited research on the experiences of autistic staff specifically.The current review points to the need for greater collaboration with and involvement of the autism community in research that has implications for their lives.