Predictors of Postsecondary Education and High School Exit for Autistic Youth

Many autistic youth experience poor educational outcomes after high school, especially those living in low socioeconomic households. However, while current literature has thoroughly documented predictors of successful transition for youth with disabilities, there is limited evidence shedding light on predictors of attending postsecondary education (PSE) for autistic youth. Using data from a model demonstration project funded by the U.S. Department of Education, our research empirically tested 19 of the known 23 predictors on a large sample of autistic youth to determine their likelihood of successfully graduating from high school (a precursor of PSE) and of attending PSE. Our findings revealed multiple significant predictors of successful high school exit and PSE participation for autistic youth. Implications for research and practice are discussed.