Many parents of college students with autism want to disclose their child’s disability to others so that others can respond appropriately to any “unusual” behaviors they encounter; however, most college students with ASD do not want others to know about their disability, and do not disclose out of fear of being stigmatized. Regardless of whoever thinks it would be a better idea for a resident to disclose his/her disability, that decision is entirely up to the resident (Wolf, Brown, & Bork, 2009).

Fear of being stigmatized is a valid apprehension and R.A.s must respect and honor a resident with ASD’s right to privacy, even if they think that knowledge of a diagnosis would help the situation.

It is important that R.A.s are familiar with their college’s confidentiality policy and treat it as a right that they have the responsibility to uphold, rather than just a piece of paper that they sign every year.

Showing interest in the resident’s life and creating an environment of respect and acceptance can encourage a resident to feel more comfortable disclosing.