Neurodiverse students deserve to go to college. If you want to go to college, you should. However, if you are autistic, you might want to find a school with a specialized program that can better support your integration into college life. Many autistic students decide they don’t need this and that’s fine too. But if you are nervous about college and want a college that has a program for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, we wanted to compile a list of your best options.
Boston University
This private school in Boston houses programs like Strategic Education Services (SES). Students in SES attend weekly meetings to help with skills like time management, planning and organization, study and test-taking, self-advocacy, and interpersonal skills. SES can also help students connect with mental health services and in securing specific accommodations if needed.
Drexel
Philly’s Drexel University offers students the Drexel Autism Support Program (DASP). DASP offers one-on-one peer mentoring and coaching, a Neurodiversity course through the School of Education, Workshops on employment skills, social development, planning for academic and career success, and social events. They work closely with the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, the Steinbright Career Development Center, and Dragon Scholars Program, a summer intensive program to acclimate students to college life. DASP's mission is to help Autistic students to feel empowered and supported both on campus and in careers after college.
Rutgers University
The Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center at Rutgers University has a couple of programs to help neurodiverse students. Douglass houses The Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services (RCAAS). RCAAS connects students and offers mentoring and support services. The center also provides vocational training, academic support, social support, and clinical services. They have programs that help with access, tutoring, life skills, and social events on campus as well.
Baylor University
This private, Christian research institution houses the Office of Access and Learning Accommodation (OALA). The office helps students with a wide range of learning disabilities and students with Autism. They work closely with Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities as well. OALA can help with academic accommodations as well as accommodations that help with campus life such as housing, meal plans, and shuttles if needed.
Kent State
Kent State offers a couple of different programs for Autistic students. They have an Autism Advocates Program, College Success for Students with Autism, and Partnering for Achievement & Learning Success (PALS). Interested students are connected with a specialist and receive any necessary accommodations through specialized plans and weekly meetings. They also have a student-run social group, Autism Connections Kent (ACK), and several other on-campus opportunities to connect the neurodiverse population on campus.
University of Michigan
U Mich has The Services for Students with Disabilities office (SSD). SSD offers accommodations to all types of students with long-term and short-term needs. They have assistive technology, learning strategies, academic coaching, Peer to Peer tutoring, and work closely with other centers on campus to offer support. They also have accommodations for students that want to study aboard and The Autism Spectrum Self-Advocacy Group (CAPS).
Many other schools champion neurodiversity on campus and we love that but some students feel better on campuses with specialized programs that they can access. Whichever route you decide to go, having accommodations in college is your right. And these schools are sure things when it comes to getting the support neurodiverse and autistic students might need on campus.
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