“If the System in Hong Kong Got Enough Support for Us, I Wouldn’t Want so Many People to Pay Attention”: Barriers to Social Support in Autistic University Students

Background: Autistic students in postsecondary education face diverse challenges, yet institutions vary significantly in their preparedness and investment in providing adequate support. While individual-level resources are increasing, relational and systemic factors impacting social support remain underexplored. This study investigates the challenges and barriers to social support for autistic university students in Hong Kong. Methods: This qualitative study included 30 autistic university students from 14 local higher institutions in Hong Kong. We used semi-structured interviews to gather first-person perspectives on participants’ social support experiences. We used thematic analysis to generate salient themes and subthemes from the interview data. Results: We synthesized four major themes that described the challenges to social support: (1) pervasive misunderstanding and negative treatment by others, (2) juggling disclosure of autism across different contexts, (3) gaps in current support systems and services, and (4) the need for self-development to navigate university life. Participants reported pervasive stereotypes, stigma, and inadequate understanding of autism, leading to social isolation and discrimination. Fear of negative consequences and the perceived need for support influenced their disclosure decisions. Systemic barriers included inconsistent services, lack of individualized supports, and unaccepting campus climates. Despite these challenges, students emphasized the importance of self-advocacy, mutual peer support, and moderate parent support. Conclusion: Autistic university students in Hong Kong face various relational and systemic barriers to social support. Current support systems are perceived as inadequate, generic, and lacking a coordinated and systematic framework. Efforts to improve campus culture, increase autism awareness, and provide tailored services are essential to better support autistic students and meet their needs in the local environment. Future research should focus on developing comprehensive support systems and exploring the sociocultural factors impacting autistic students’ experiences.