Autism Resources: Higher Education Options

This map represents a comprehensive list of autism support programs at four-year intuitions and some two-year institutions. Developed by John Caldora, M.Ed. Disability Resource Center, University of Kentucky Edited by Shannon Smith, MA, Disability Resource Center, University of Kentucky.

Blue is a Non-Fee Based Program. Green is a Fee Based Program.

The University of Kentucky makes no claims as to the accuracy or validity of this map and does not claim any endorsement of the programs herein. For questions or concerns contact: john.caldora@uky.edu Sources include: Brown, J. (2020, December 23) College Programs. Retrieved January 22, 2021, from http://collegeautismspectrum.com/collegeprograms/

McDermott, C. T., & Nachman, B. R. (2020, May 28). Institutional Initiatives. Retrieved January 22, 2021, from https://collegeautismnetwork.org/advocacy/institutional-initiatives/

Transition to college. Pursue a career. Build a life away from home. College Living Experience delivers wrap-around transition supports for young adults with disabilities. Since 1989, College Living Experience (CLE) has been providing transition supports to young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and other varying exceptionalities. Over the years the evolution and innovation of CLE services has been based on their mission which inspires them to reach beyond the boundaries of the traditional supports.

The Supported College Transition program (SCT) was designed for students with little mainstreaming experience in high school and with the academic preparation that indicates they can be successful in smaller sections of college developmental courses (Reading, English and Math) with the additional support provided by a Study Skills class and a college transition class. SCT courses are college credit courses which are eligible for federal and state financial aid.

College for Life Program: For those students with disabilities who have had few inclusive experiences in high school or who choose not to seek a college credential, the College for Life program not only provides courses that continue the educational experience, but it also provides inclusive social growth opportunities on a college campus.

The College Internship Program is a comprehensive transition program for young adults on the Autism Spectrum and with Learning Differences. CIP is one of the most comprehensive programs in the world for assisting young adults with learning differences to succeed in college, employment, and independent living.

Eastern Illinois University’s Students with Autism Transitional Education Program focuses on providing enhanced support in three main skill set areas. A solid foundation of Academic, Social, and Daily-living (ASD) skill sets is crucial for the success of post-secondary students. With appropriate support in place for students with Autism, the challenges associated with transitioning to university life can be minimized.

The College Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder was established in 2002. Students participating in the program have met acceptance criteria for Marshall University and have been admitted to The College Program through a separate application process. The program uses a positive behavior support approach to assist participating students. Social, communication, academic, leisure and personal living skills are assessed through person-centered planning.

Personal goals are identified and strategies are developed based on the individual needs of each student. The program seeks to help students learn skills which will help them earn a college degree, work in their chosen field, and live a productive, independent, and quality life. Click here to download The College Program Brochure.

PAL, an internationally recognized Program for Advancement of Learning. Recognized as the country’s first program of its kind, celebrating a longstanding tradition of success, PAL provides academically focused assistance to bright, college-able students with specific language-based learning disabilities, executive function disorders, and/or AD/HD.

Pace University’s Ongoing Academic Social Instructional Support (OASIS) program provides one of the most comprehensive support services for students with high functioning autism and those with other learning challenges who would like to fulfill their dream of furthering their education. The program is designed to help OASIS students thrive in college and prepare for life after graduation. OASIS students are Pace students first, learning alongside their peers in an academically rigorous setting. While accommodations in courses are provided, the work is not modified and remains at the college level.

Support comes in the form of an OASIS team for each student:
1. Academic coach.
2. Educational coordinator.
3. Housing coordinator.
4. Social coaches.
5. Social coordinator.
6. Social worker.
7. Internship coordinator.
8. Accommodations.

If you’re a student who has autism spectrum disorder, a nonverbal learning disability, or problems with executive functioning or socialization, you may feel anxious about the many differences between high school and college.

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

This fee-based program offers regularly scheduled meetings to help with executive functioning and time management issues, problem-solving skills, and a wide variety of social opportunities.