G
raduating high school
is a huge milestone,
but what happens
after graduation can be both
daunting and even downright
discouraging. Thankfully,
there are many post-secondary
programs that offer training,
certifications and support
transitioning services to help
autistic individuals succeed in
obtaining higher education.
The list below is by no means
complete, but it will give you a
good idea of the types of programs that are out there. For
some, we were even able to
include real, first-hand perspective from students, parents
and community members who
are directly involved with the
programs. (We included these
as sidebars.)
Information for this article was
taken from the college or university websites, so some information and prices quoted may
have changed. We found many
resources in North America
and imagine that these types
of programs also exist in other
parts of the world. We will be
adding this information to our
website www.zoomautism.org.
If you know of a program that
is not mentioned here, please
let us know so that we can
include it.
Zoom is neither endorsing nor
being paid to include any of
these programs. We simply are
including them as a resource
and a starting point. We encourage autistic adults and parents to do their own research
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and to reach out to their local colleges, universities and autism
associations to see what programs and funding may be available.
United States
Alabama
The University of Alabama, ASD College Transition and
Support Program (UA-ACTS) provides individualized services
to help students develop appropriate skills for self-advocacy, daily
living and social interactions that will contribute to their success
as independent adults. Students must be admitted to the University of Alabama and plan to pursue a degree. There is a $3,000 per
semester cost to this program in addition to regular tuition and
housing fees.
Arizona
Chapel Haven West is a two-year residential program that
teaches Life Skills, Self-Determination and Vocational Readiness
and helps students to succeed in post-secondary education as desired and enhanced by a unique association with the University of
Arizona, which is within walking distance of the residential apartments. Contact the school for tuition and fees.
Aaron Brown-Coats attended the Marino
Campus in 2013-14. Aaron studied the
Microsoft Technology Associate Program,
which focused on computer software and
hardware repair, security and networking.
With his natural computer skills, he excelled in the class. During the program, he
started an internship at Planned Growth,
a major South Florida digital marketing
company. Aaron learned about marketing
and the power of social media and was able
to put skills learned at Marino Campus
into practice. After his internship, he was
offered a position and is working on social
media for clients of the company. He is
also attending Miami-Dade College, seeking a bachelor’s degree in computer science.
As a Marino Campus alumnus, he remains
active in clubs and campus events. He acts
as a spokesperson at foundation events,
gives campus tours and assists with open
houses for new students and their families.
Arkansas
The University of Arkansas Autism Support Program provides comprehensive services to students in the areas of academics, social skills and transitioning to independent adult roles.
Academic coaches assist with content tutoring, time management,
organization and communicating successfully with instructors.
Student life staff helps students manage dorm life, interact with
peers and take advantage of the myriad of opportunities on campus and in the community. Staff works closely with university
faculty and various administrative offices. In addition, the director
communicates regularly with parents regarding student progress
and any concerns that may arise. The cost of the program is $5000
per semester. This fee is in addition to the tuition and housing
fees.
California
Taft College - The Transition to Independent Living Program (TIL) is a post-secondary educational experience for adults
having developmental/intellectual disabilities. The program provides instruction, training and support on a community college
campus. The program is comprehensive, with a curriculum and
ZOOM Autism through Many Lenses
ZOOM Autism through Many Lenses
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