Discrimination and Harassment Experiences of Autistic College Students and Their Neurotypical Peers: Risk and Protective Factors.

The study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to interpretation bias or social desirability effects. The sample was predominantly White (63.4%) and attended 4-year colleges, limiting generalizability to autistic students from diverse racial backgrounds or community colleges. Gender diversity was underrepresented, with only 9.3% of the autistic group identifying as 'other' than male or female. The measure of 'school involvement' focused on specific types of groups (fraternities, political clubs, identity organizations) and may not capture the full range of social activities, such as hobby-based clubs. The study used a case-control matching design, which controls for observed variables but cannot account for unobserved confounders that might differ between groups.

The study was funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration. No other conflicts of interest were reported.

Do not conclude that autistic students are immune to discrimination or that their experiences are identical to neurotypical peers. The null finding for group differences may reflect the specific types of severe harassment measured or the matching process, which controlled for co-occurring conditions that also increase risk. The significant interaction showing higher risk with campus involvement suggests that the context of social participation matters more than the diagnosis alone.