Supporting autistic students during graduation season

With graduation season just around the corner, many families are looking forward to celebrating their high school and college seniors in lively graduation ceremonies. But the graduation season and upcoming vocational transitions can be challenging for autistic people and their families, who may struggle with participating in a traditional ceremony, accessing resources after graduation and entering into the workforce.

Sarah Curtiss, assistant professor in UD's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), specializes in special education and developing programs for autistic youth that foster resilience, facilitate positive development and are grounded in lived experience. She shares guidance for educators, parents and community members on supporting autistic students during graduation season.

Q: Participating in a big graduation ceremony in a high school auditorium or college stadium may be overwhelming for some autistic students. How can schools support autistic students if they want to participate in a traditional ceremony?

Curtiss: Some schools consider accommodations that relieve some of the sensory discomfort that autistic students may experience during a graduation ceremony. Many autistic students have sensory differences that make it challenging to process bright lights, loud noises and even textures of clothing. Graduation ceremonies are often joyous, but the chatter of the crowd, the volume of the microphones, the music and the cheering can be very loud. Schools could consider having a sensory-friendly part of the ceremony where the audience is asked to be quiet and cheer through visual applause - holding both hands up and shaking or twisting them, for example. Even if a sensory-friendly part of graduation is not feasible, many autistic students can be successful with practice. Before the ceremony, schools can give the students the opportunity to visit the auditorium or stadium, walk down the aisle and practice receiving a diploma on stage, building up to the playing of recorded applause so students can be well prepared.