Education: College (General Audience)

This program supports college students with ASD in reaching their full potential. Varying levels of academic, social and residential support are designed to aid students in meeting their personal and professional goals.

The Asperger Initiative at Mercyhurst (AIM) is designed for students who, while exhibiting superior intellectual ability, face challenges in executive functioning and social interactions. They offer academic support, social support and counseling support, as well as vocational support.

Set in the inclusive university environment of Concordia University of Wisconsin, Bethesda College is a two-year program designed to meet the higher education needs of students with intellectual, developmental, and other complex disabilities. It gives students with disabilities the ability to experience the full range of college learning and life and provides a “blended” model of instruction centered on the intellectual, vocational, social, personal, and spiritual growth of students. Our goal is simple: to prepare students for independent adult living.

The Bridges to Adelphi Program offers individualized comprehensive academic, social, and vocational services that are designed to make that transition easier.

An online interest form is available at bridges.adelphi.edu/inquire

The KAP Circle of Support provides four major areas of assistance: private room, study tables mentoring and socials. The theoretical framework for KAP is Social Information Processing Theory and Executive Function Skill Development.

The College Success Program for Students Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder provides targeted support, practical knowledge, and cultural awareness to students living with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is designed to maximize students’ potential as they live and learn within a caring Christian community.

This downloadable guide is intended to help students with ASD become better prepared for college life and academics. This guide addresses challenges that are both universal and unique to college students with autism by providing information, guidance, and resources that address them. Finding Your Way offers practical advice from autism experts; powerful narratives from self-advocates; and relevant resource tools. It is intended to help readers anticipate and improve their academic and social situations by advocating for themselves.

Located in Allendale, Michigan, Grand Valley State University’s Office of Disability Support Resources (DSR) offers the Campus Links program, which matches ASD students with a peer mentor, usually an upperclassman, who will assist them in surviving the transition to college. The program is designed to offer students on the spectrum support in the classroom, in social interactions, and academics.

Students with special needs can live and study in the same place, away from home.The school allows students to live in four-person, two-bedroom suites, each with its own bathroom, and supervisory staff on duty 24/7. Meals are included in the tuition.

Programs in Automotive Technology, Cabinetmaking/Millwork, CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant), Culinary Arts, Custodial Services, Electronics/Manufacturing, Graphic Communications, Grounds Maintenance/Landscaping, Machine Technology, Office Automation, Pharmacy Technician, Retail Marketing and Weatherization are offered.

The Raiders on the Autism Spectrum Excelling (RASE) program assists students on the spectrum as they transition from high school to college. Currently, the RASE program consists of a therapeutic support group and a transition coach program.

STEP provides enhanced training at EIU on Academic, Social, and Daily-living skills (ASD) to allow students the opportunity to navigate their college experience successfully.

Any potential student will need to have been accepted to Eastern Illinois University prior to enrollment in STEP.