Understanding the Relationship Between Self-Determination Skills and Quality of Life of College Students with Autism

Using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF, 1997) and Chao's (2016) Self-Determination Scale for College Students (SDSCS), the study examined college students with autism perceptions of their self-determination skills and quality of life. The study sought to identify the levels of self-determination skills and quality of life of college students with autism, and to understand the relationship between self-determination skills and the quality of life (QoL) of students with ASD in post-secondary settings. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression. Overall, results demonstrated participants reported, mid-level self-determination and QoL with the majority stating average levels. Similar midpoint/average levels were found for the self-determination subscales (Self-Realization, Psychological Empowerment, Self-Regulation, Autonomy) and QoL domains, including Physical Health, Social Relationships, Psychological, and Environment. The results of this study confirmed the positive correlation and predictive relationship between self-determination and QoL of individuals. Educational implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.