The Autism College Connection

Summer means relaxation at the beach, cool drinks in the shade, and family time. It is also the perfect time to help prepare your neurodivergent teen for college and life after high school!

A growing number of summer programs help high school teens and college-bound young adults prepare for college. Some of these programs are located on college campuses, where students can live in dorms, take classes, participate in social activities, and eat in a dining hall. Other programs are available in transition programs and camps, where they also build academic and independent skills.  

These programs have several goals:

1. Many young people with autism and ADHD have never had the opportunity to attend a sleepaway camp and have missed out on other opportunities to gain independence. These summer programs are made for them. For the first time, these teens can spend a few weeks away from home and build adulting skills. 
2. These programs build up the academic skills needed for college. Colleges know that too many students arrive at colleges without the necessary reading and math skills to be truly successful. These programs help students get on the right path with intensive, effective remedial work. 
3. Students learn how to navigate a college campus and begin to understand college “lingo.” They might learn where to ask for help with their math homework and where to find the gym. 
4. Teens learn these new skills in a positive, neuro-positive environment with staff that “gets it.” They learn how to advocate for themselves and why it’s useful to self-identify as autistic. 

Each program is unique, aimed at different populations with different goals, so parents should shop around for a program that’s right for their child. And reach out for help. 

Some programs to check out: 

• Mercyhurst University, PA, IGNITE and CREATE programs
• Beacon, Summer for Success
• Landmark, Summer Programs
• Aurora University, IL, Pathways College Preparation Program for NeurodiverseStudents
• CIP, multiple locations, Summer Programs
• The College of New Jersey
• Bridges to Adelphi University (NY)
• Fairleigh Dickinson’s Summer Experience Program (NJ)
• Camp Akeela’s College Readiness Program (MA)

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