This study deals with a case study of a program that integrates high-functioning autistic spectrum students in Israeli academia. The case study focuses on the attitudes of students and faculty towards high-functioning autistic spectrum (HFA) students, aiming to examine their contribution to the integration of HFA students in academia, with regard to the academic-social climate and their perceived self-efficacy. The case study may serve academic institutions as a model for the adjustment and integration of autistic spectrum students, with the inclusion of academic and administrative elements. The study is based on mixed methods methodology, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Five hundred twenty six students, 103 faculty, as well as 30 students with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) and 27 mentoring students participating in the program, were asked to complete a quantitative research questionnaire. The research findings show that the integration of HFA students in academic studies is potentially possible, predicated on awareness among faculty and students as to the nature of the disability. Variables with high significance for the program's success were detected, involving teaching tools, institutional support, and a tolerant academic-social climate. The research findings indicate that with regard to nearly all the variables the faculty have the highest awareness of and sensitivity to integrating HFA students in academic studies. The literature review, as well as the findings of the current study, support the integration of people with HFA in various institutions and confirm the conditions for this success: institutional and social motivation together with a tolerant atmosphere.

Academic institutions are currently developing special programs based on the belief that the overall success of universities relies on the integration of diverse population groups. This study investigates the role of the organizational support to lecturers to facilitate the integration of students with high-functioning autism (HFA). A questionnaire was developed and completed by 103 lecturers to examine their attitudes on the best methods for integrating students with HFA in higher education. Both regression and path analysis were performed. The findings show that the university’s support is the main factor that influences instructors’ beliefs on the best method of integration, either by creating a tolerant atmosphere in the institution or using specially developed teaching methods. Lecturers' positive emotional responses and desire to be familiar with and involved with HFA students influence lecturers’ ability to provide effective support to students with HFA.

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