Perceiving the social unknown: How the hidden curriculum affects the learning of autistic students in higher education
Joshua P. Byrne
Abstract
In autism research, the impact of the hidden curriculum within higher education remains neglected. The published experiences of undergraduate and postgraduate students with Autism Spectrum Disorder indicate that social issues present a universal problem for this demographic. By being less able to take advantage of the social aspects of their courses, such as interactions with peers and supervisors, autistic students could be left at a disadvantage in their current studies and beyond. Opening formal research questions into the impact of the hidden curriculum on the learning experience of autistic students in higher education are required to highlight this issue. Investigating the most effective forms of hidden curriculum access could provide better insight into how support can be personalised to the needs of these students.