Many young people on the Autism Spectrum are yearning for a college-like experience but don't truly have the skills necessary to participate in the regular college curriculum and social arena. Fortunately, programs are starting to spring up on college campuses around the country that incorporate some elements of college life and education while focusing truly on the needs of this special population. I will highlight a few here that seem to be worth checking out. (There are certainly more out there so if one of these doesn't suit your child, keep looking!)
NOTE: I am copying and pasting the blurbs from each program's website.
Mason LIFE (George Mason University--Fairfax, VA)
The Mason LIFE Program is an innovative post-secondary program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who desire a university experience in a supportive academic environment. The mission of the Mason LIFE Program is a dual purpose. The first is to provide a supportive academic environment for our students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The second is to supply an apprenticeship for George Mason University students. The Mason LIFE Program presents our George Mason students opportunities such as: instructor, resident advisor, internship, practicum, licensure, independent study, field work, mentor, Best Buddy, and volunteer to gain important experiences and knowledge to work successfully with students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.Transition to Independent Living Program (Taft Community College--Bakersfield, CA)
The Transition to Independent Living Program (TIL) is a post-secondary educational experience for adults having developmental disabilities. The program provides instruction, training, and support on a community college campus. The program is comprehensive, with curriculum and training that promotes acquisition of the functional, social, and career skills necessary for students to live a productive and normalized lifestyle. Upon admission to the TIL Program, the student moves into a residence hall and begins instruction. The students participate in the program an average of 22 months. Staff works with each student to establish realistic short-and long-term goals. Individual Program Plans (IPP’s) are then written to assist students in attaining these goals.
College Internship Program (UC Berkeley--Berkeley, CA)
The College Internship Program (CIP) offers unique college age curriculum specifically for young adults with Asperger's, ADD and Learning Differences in the following areas:
- Social Skills Development
- Academic Support
- Internship and Career Support
- Life Skills Instruction
- Health and Wellness
Threshold Program (Lesley University--Cambridge, MA)
The Threshold Program is a comprehensive, non-degree campus-based program at Lesley University for highly motivated young adults with diverse learning disabilities and other special needs. All are clearly interested in careers in one of our vocational fields of study, Business and Support Services and/or Early Childhood Studies, and all have a strong desire to become independent adults. Threshold students have typically received extensive special services in either private or public schools and are likely to have considerable difficulty succeeding in a traditional college degree program.Autism Training Center (Marshall University--Huntington, WV)
The College Program for Students with Asperger's Syndrome was started in 2002. Students participating in the program have met acceptance criteria for Marshall University and have been admitted to the College Program for Students with Asperger's Syndrome 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.
Pathway (UCLA--Los Angeles, CA)
Pathway is two-year certificate program at UCLA Extension specially designed for young adults with intellectual disabilities. This first-of-its-kind initiative on the west coast combines academic study with social and recreational opportunities on the UCLA campus. Pathway is taught and supervised by expertly trained staff sensitive to student’s individual needs. By the program’s end, most students are ready to transition to independent living and meaningful employment.Pathway is two-year certificate program at UCLA Extension specially designed for young adults with intellectual disabilities. This first-of-its-kind initiative on the west coast combines academic study with social and recreational opportunities on the UCLA campus. Pathway is taught and supervised by expertly trained staff sensitive to student’s individual needs. By the program’s end, most students are ready to transition to independent living and meaningful employment.If you have information about other college alternatives for young people on the Spectrum, I would love to hear about them. Please email me at nodramacc@gmail.com so I can share your resource with others.
