Student Liaisons for Autism: Using College Students in Bridging the Communication Gap
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Michael Ota
Department
BCOE – Educational Leadership
Abstract
Autistic students have historically faced significant barriers in higher education that limit academic success and social inclusion. Our project aims to address these inequities through a peer-based mentorship model. Grounded in critical disability theory and action research methodology, the initiative pairs autistic undergraduate and graduate students with trained student research mentors - Registered Behavioral Technicians - who act as liaisons to build skills with participants. We focus on strengthening executive functioning (such as planning and organization), socialization, and communication skills through weekly hour-long sessions designed to reduce the risks of social isolation and academic regression. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach and a single-case research design, the study incorporates standardized assessments, such as the social responsiveness scale (SRS-2), alongside qualitative semi-structured interviews to evaluate student outcomes, using an applied behavioral analysis (ABA) methodology. Preliminary results from 2 cohorts of students (approx. 15 participants) indicate measurable improvements in participants' goals. This model, at a cost of approximately $250 per student, represents a low-cost but high impact intervention that has the potential to be implemented into other academic institutions. Future phases will scale this framework to support at least 100 students over the program’s three-year duration, expanding its reach to the broader neurodiverse population on campus, such as students with ADHD. Furthermore, the project will expand into local high schools to mentor juniors and seniors, creating a critical bridge for the transition from K-12 special education services into college-level accommodations.
Presented at
2026 - The Thirtieth Annual Symposium of Student Scholars
Student Liaisons for Autism: Using College Students in Bridging the Communication Gap
2026 - The Thirtieth Annual Symposium of Student Scholars
Autistic students have historically faced significant barriers in higher education that limit academic success and social inclusion. Our project aims to address these inequities through a peer-based mentorship model. Grounded in critical disability theory and action research methodology, the initiative pairs autistic undergraduate and graduate students with trained student research mentors - Registered Behavioral Technicians - who act as liaisons to build skills with participants. We focus on strengthening executive functioning (such as planning and organization), socialization, and communication skills through weekly hour-long sessions designed to reduce the risks of social isolation and academic regression. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach and a single-case research design, the study incorporates standardized assessments, such as the social responsiveness scale (SRS-2), alongside qualitative semi-structured interviews to evaluate student outcomes, using an applied behavioral analysis (ABA) methodology. Preliminary results from 2 cohorts of students (approx. 15 participants) indicate measurable improvements in participants' goals. This model, at a cost of approximately $250 per student, represents a low-cost but high impact intervention that has the potential to be implemented into other academic institutions. Future phases will scale this framework to support at least 100 students over the program’s three-year duration, expanding its reach to the broader neurodiverse population on campus, such as students with ADHD. Furthermore, the project will expand into local high schools to mentor juniors and seniors, creating a critical bridge for the transition from K-12 special education services into college-level accommodations.