05/17/2021
By Robin Hall

The College of Education invites you to attend a doctoral dissertation defense by Andrea Mendes on “Autistic Student Sense of Belonging In College: A Photovoice Study.”

Date: Tuesday, May 25, 2021
Time: 1:30 p.m. EST
Location: This will be a virtual defense via Zoom. Those interested in attending should email Jack_Schneider@uml.edu at least 24 hours prior to the defense to request access to the meeting.

Dissertation Chair: Jack Schneider, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, College of Education, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Dissertation Committee:

  • A.J. Angulo, Ed.D., Associate Professor, College of Education, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Wilson Palacios, Ph.D., Associate Professor, School of Criminology and Justice Studies, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Abstract:

This qualitative research study explores autistic student experiences, specifically sense of belonging in college, using photovoice methodology. Through visual artifacts and narrative, the students tell their story and enhance our understanding of how they experience belongingness. Findings indicate that autistic college students find belongingness through trusted relationships and participation in campus activities and groups. Trusted relationships include social peer relationships and functional relationships with faculty and staff. This study, conducted during the COVID-19 global pandemic, also demonstrated that autistic student sense of belonging was interrupted by the loss of in person connectedness and learning. Additional photos and narrative shared by the students showcase their lived experiences as autistic individuals. This study confirms the literature in that sense of belonging is found through trusted functional relationships. This study expands the literature by emphasizing the importance of conducting research from the perspective of the autistic individual. This study presents new research conducted with autistic college students during a global pandemic that significantly altered the way individuals live, learn, and connect with each other.