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©TOP COLLEGE CONSULTANTS
Autism in College
Serving the full spectrum of learners Eric Endlich, Ph.D. [email protected]
®
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Disclaimer
I have no affiliation with, nor financial interest in, any of the colleges/programs mentioned. I do not accept compensation from any school for recommending or placing students. I work with families to find the best-fit programs for students.
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About Dr. Eric Endlich
• College admissions consultant • Clinical psychologist • Clinical Advisory Board member,
Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) • Co-author of book on autistic adults • National presenter at autism conferences • Taught at Boston College and Tufts University
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©TOP COLLEGE CONSULTANTS
"Your development has to go at its own pace. It just doesn't happen to be the usual pace."
Madeleine L'Engle, A Wrinkle in Time
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How to find autism-friendly colleges & universities
Visit TopCollegeConsultants.com for an extensive list
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Why focus on autism in college?
• 50,000 autistic students graduate high school in the US annually
• 36% enroll in college (vs. 75% of peers)
• Most do not earn a degree
• 40% of those who disclose their autism receive special services or accommodations
(Source: National Autism Indicators Report, 2015)
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What about work?
• 58% work between high school and early 20s (vs. 99% of their peers)
• Most work part-time, averaging $9/hour.
• About 40% who disclose autism receive accommodations at work
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Core college readiness indicators
Students must be able to:
• Independently identify when they need help in any area
• Independently seek out services, despite obstacles
• Independently apply the supports they’ve accessed*
*Courtesy of Jake Weld, Mansfield Hall Director of Admissions
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How college differs from high school
High school
Many hours in class
A few hours of homework
Time is very structured
Many supports in place
College
Few hours in class
Many hours of homework
Time is unstructured
Students must seek out supports
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What skills do students need in college?
• Academic/study skills
• Self-awareness: strengths & challenges
• Self-advocacy: seek resources, schedule/attend appointments
• Organization: data, time & money management
• Motivation
• Emotion regulation
• Self-care
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Emotional Readiness
What to know:
• Conditions you are prone to
• “Red flags” of distress
• Go-to strategies
• Available supports
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Applying to College: Testing Accommodations
• Include testing accommodations in education plan
• Identify school contact person
• Obtain testing that documents diagnosis & needed accommodations
• Leave time for test reports and appeals
• Remember test-optional schools
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Accommodations in College
• Consider when to disclose diagnosis
• Education plan (e.g., IEP, 504) doesn’t transfer to college
• Recent documentation of diagnosis/disability is needed
• Research requirements/services
• Contact college disability center
• Accommodations may suffice
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Educational Options After High School
• Vocational training (e.g., trades, healthcare, computers)
• Non-degree certificate program
• Transition/gap year program
• College plus external supports
• Support program at college
• Specialized college
• Mainstream/no supports
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Certificate Programs in college settings
Suitable for students who:
• May have mild intellectual disability
• Need additional employment training
• Desire a college-like experience
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Certificate Program Example: Project Forward
• Cape Cod Community College in Massachusetts
• Commuter program
• Vocational focus
• Established 1988
• Internships: food prep, office skills, animal care, landscaping, hospitality and more
• Option to take college courses
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Certificate Program - Residential
Such programs:
• May be more intensive/comprehensive compared to a commuter program
• May offer more opportunities to learn social skills
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Certificate Program – Residential Example: Threshold Program
Lesley University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Program is typically two years, with ongoing alumni opportunities after graduating
Students can take regular college courses and join clubs
Typical students have:
Demonstrated learning differences
Finished high school (diploma or certificate of completion)
Received special education services (e.g., IEP, 504)
Scored below average on testing (e.g., IQ from 70-90)
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College readiness/transition programs
Such programs:
• May occur the summer before freshman year
• May fill a gap year before college
• Give students organizational and other skills to succeed in college
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College Transition Program Example: College Internship Program
• 5 locations nationwide
• Independent living component
• Career or academic track options
• Full year or summer option
• Post-program support
• Family support
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Another option: Attend a mainstream college and obtain
outside support
• Mansfield Hall – several college options; communal dorm-like residence (VT, WI, OR)
• Beyond Booksmart, New Frontiers – coaches provide remote help to students in any college
• Focus Collegiate – intensive support for students in Boston-area colleges
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Comprehensive Programs for Autism/Learning Differences
• May involve significant additional cost
• More coordinated services
• Social component
• Support throughout college
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Academic Support Program
Example: Lynn University – Boca Raton, FL
• Institute for Achievement and Learning (IAL) – since 1991
• Nearly 20% of Lynn students enroll in IAL
• Academic coaches are certified professionals
• Students get 2 coaching and 2 tutoring sessions weekly
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Autism Support Program Example: Drexel University
• Philadelphia, PA
• Urban university
• Help with co-ops and career placement
• Social skills instruction
• Peer mentors
• No fee
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Specialized Colleges Landmark and Beacon
• Small-college setting
• Fewer majors available
• All instructors and staff know this population
• More accommodating
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©TOP COLLEGE CONSULTANTS
Takeaways • Assess and enhance college readiness
• Encourage students to self-advocate
• Know what a student needs: an alternative to college, a transition program, an autism support program or simply accommodations
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©TOP COLLEGE CONSULTANTS
Ready to look beyond high school? There’s a program or college out there
for almost everyone!
For more assistance choosing and applying to programs, contact us at: [email protected]
(617) 515-3568 or (833) WE-APPLY.
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Resources
• A Guide to Assessing College Readiness (Landmark College)
https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/styles/iidc/defiles/INSTRC/Webinars/College-Readiness_Assessment.pdf
• Autism-Friendly College List
https://www.topcollegeconsultants.com/autism-in-college/
• Planning for College: A 4-Year Guide for High-Schoolers with IEPs
https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/choosing-starting-school/leaving-high-school/planning-for-college-a-4-year-guide-for-high-schoolers-with-ieps