Student Life on the Autism Spectrum: Exploring the Role of Student Housing in Experiences of Three Students

Abstract

People on the autism spectrum may experience difficulties with social interactions. When living in student housing—be it purpose-built student accommodations or a house with multiple occupants—students with autism share most spaces with their housemates. This could lead to social situations in which they feel uncomfortable. In the study reported here, we explored the role of student housing in experiences of three students on the autism spectrum (and their housemates/proxies). Using participative methods including photovoice, walk-along interviews, and co-analysis (taking initial findings back to participants), we identified four concepts that offer in-depth insight into the participants' experiences: independence, (not) feeling at home, finding rest and avoiding stress, and shared versus individual space. Zooming in on the latter, we identified spatial aspects that may contribute to making student life on the autism spectrum and beyond more comfortable, which can inform future work on designing student housing.