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College Readiness for Students with Autism: What Caregivers Need to Know

 

Readiness involves more than grades or test scores. Key areas to assess:

1. Executive Functioning Skills

• Time management

• Organization

• Task initiation and completion

• Planning and prioritizing

Can they manage multiple assignments and deadlines without constant reminders?

 

2. Social and Communication Skills

• Navigating roommate conflicts

• Asking for help from professors or tutors

• Participating in class discussions

 

3. Emotional Regulation & Stress Tolerance

• How do they handle change or frustration?

• Can they cope with anxiety without shutdowns or meltdowns?

 

4. Daily Living Skills

• Doing laundry, cooking, hygiene

• Medication management

• Waking up independently for class

 

5. Self-Advocacy

• Understanding and explaining their needs

• Requesting accommodations from Disability Services

• Knowing their rights under ADA and Section 504

 

II. Commuting vs. Living on Campus:

What to Consider

 

Living On-Campus – Pros

• Full immersion in college life

• Independence and growth opportunities

• Easier access to clubs, peers, and activities

Living On-Campus – Challenges

• Sensory overload (noise, crowds)

• Unstructured free time

• Shared spaces (roommates, bathrooms)

Red Flags that Living Away Might Not Be Ideal Yet:

• Difficulty managing anxiety or transitions

• Inability to complete tasks without support

• Lack of self-advocacy or daily living skills

• Extreme sensory sensitivity

Commuting – Pros

• Keeps familiar home routines and supports

• Reduces sensory/social demands

• Gives more time to build skills gradually

Commuting – Challenges

• Less peer interaction

• Longer travel times = fatigue

• Isolation from campus culture

Tip: Some families start with commuting, then explore living on campus in Year 2 or 3.

 

III. What to Look for in a College for Students with Autism

Here’s a checklist:

Disability Services Office:

• Strong, well-staffed office with autism-specific support

• Offers executive functioning coaching or peer mentoring

Look for colleges with:

• Structured transition programs (e.g., Marshall University’s College Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder)

• Optional support add-ons (social coaching, therapy, life skills)

Inclusive Culture:

• Neurodiversity awareness and support

• Faculty trained in universal design for learning (UDL)

Small Class Sizes or Campuses:

• More manageable environments

• Easier communication with professors

Flexibility and Safety:

• Clear policies around accommodations

• Campus safety resources

• Supportive housing staff if living on campus

 

IV. Financial and Program Supports for Students with Disabilities

1. ACT 150 (PA-specific program)

• Attendant Care Services for adults with disabilities (18+) in Pennsylvania

• Could help with personal care, transportation, meal prep, etc., if the student lives independently

• Not directly tied to college but supports independence

Students must meet income, age, and functional criteria

2. Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)

• Available in most states

• Offers:

  • Tuition assistance

  • Career counseling

  • Assistive technology

  • Job coaching and internships

• Must apply and be deemed eligible

3. SSI/SSDI and ABLE Accounts

• SSI may help cover living costs if working less

• ABLE accounts let families save for education/expenses without affecting SSI

 

4. FAFSA and Disability-Related Aid

• Always fill out FAFSA

• Disability-related expenses (assistive tech, coaching) may count for cost of attendance adjustments

• Some colleges offer grants or scholarships for neurodiverse students

 

V. Reasons They Might Not Be Ready for College 

• Lack of self-advocacy or independent functioning

• Social anxiety or difficulty navigating unstructured environments

• Executive dysfunction making it hard to manage college-level tasks

• Struggles with emotional regulation or burnout

• Still developing maturity or confidence

• Health or mental health conditions not yet stable

Forcing the timeline can lead to withdrawal, depression, or loss of self-esteem.

 

VI. Reasons to Delay or Not Attend College (Right Now)

1. They don’t know what they want to study or do yet

2. They would benefit from more real-world experience first

   • Internships, gap year, volunteering, community college

3. They need more time to build skills

   • Life skills, social/emotional readiness

4. Cost vs. benefit doesn’t make sense right now

5. Mental health or developmental concerns need more support first

 

College is one path — not the only one.

🛠️ Alternatives and Bridges to College

• Community college + supports

• Vocational/technical training

• College programs for students with disabilities (like Think College programs)

• Gap year programs focused on neurodiverse students (e.g., Beyond Akeela, SOAR)

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                      Remember the rules apply differently