News and Notes from The Johnson Center
Navigating Higher Education for Students with Autism
JCCHD | Mon, February 22, 2016 |On Thursday, February 18th, Dr. Claire Schutte presented a webinar on Navigating Higher Education for Students with Autism. This webinar can be viewed here and there is a link to get a Certificate of Attendance after viewing here.
The most important point that Dr. Schutte made in her presentation was that it is possible for many people with autism to go on to some sort of college or postsecondary education program and it is important that we look at as many ways as possible to support them in this endeavor. Currently 1 in 3 people with autism pursues education after high school and with more support and programs that number could be higher.
Dr. Schutte’s webinar focused on four main areas: Planning, Options, Applying, and Supports.
- Planning: This is the first step toward seeking a successful postsecondary education. Dr. Schutte discussed the importance of focusing on REALITY:
When starting to plan for the post-high school program, one of the first areas to assess and program for are independent living skills. You can learn more about this here.
Some of this planning may take place during the ARD/IEP process in what is called Transition Planning. This should be a time to assess and teach all of the areas needed for a student to be successful in the school or program they are transitioning to after high school. This may include formal assessments (like the Strong Interest Inventory, the Campbell Interest and Skills Survey, or the Brigance Transition Skills Inventory) or informal assessments (like interviews with parents, teachers, and therapists, informal questionnaires, or observations).
Dr. Schutte recommends starting a binder specific to transition planning information where you can keep these assessments, any programs, goals, and school information.
- Options: Dr. Schutte reviewed ways to assess different schools and programs. Research can be done through school websites, conversations with other parents and students, Internet reviews, school counselors, visiting the schools and programs, and much more.
Making a list of what your student needs is a good place to start. There are many questions to consider, from location, program type, living options and more. Talking to the different programs and learning what services and supports are available is the best place to start to narrow your search.
- Applying: Once you have identified potential programs or schools, the application process can begin. Gathering documentation for test accommodations, test prep courses, filling out applications and gathering supporting documentation are all part of the process. An important consideration is whether or not to disclose any diagnosis during the application process. Dr. Schutte reviewed the options for both disclosure and non-disclosure.
- Support: There are many supports a student with autism can put in place and many ways to access them. Dr. Schutte reviewed many of these, including different offices and professionals who may offer support and many of the accommodations that can be made to help a student be successful.
There are several autism-specific programs that operate out of larger programs and universities and Dr. Schutte reviewed some of these during the webinar. If there are not programs in areas that you are looking, talk to your local university, community college, or technical college to see if an individual program with accommodations could be set up to support your student.
To learn more on this subject, watch Dr. Schutte’s webinar here. Later this year we will provide a webinar focused on ways postsecondary education programs can meet the needs of students with autism. For more information on this and our other webinars, follow The Johnson Center on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates.
In the end, it is important to remember that the key to a successful transition to any program, whether a 4 year college, community college, technical school, or specialized program is assessment, planning, and preparation for the student, their family, and those who will be providing guidance and support.
Want to share a success story of a student with autism in college? Send to us email us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or you can share it on our Facebook or Twitter page with the hashtag #AutismAndCollege
Resources/References on Post-secondary Supports for Students with ASD
Websites
The Johnson Center YouTube channel
Autism Speaks postsecondary opportunities guide
Academic accommodations
CBS article on college programs specific to students on the autism spectrum
Training on accessing postsecondary education
Books
Baker, J. (2005). Preparing for Life: The Complete Guide for Transitioning to Adulthood for Those with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. Arlington, TX: Future Horizons.
Breakey, C. (2006). The Autism Spectrum and Further Education: A Guide to Good Practice. London: Jessica Kingsley publishers.
Grandin, T., Duff Y., K., and Attwood, T. (2004). Developing Talents: Careers for Individuals with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism. Shawnee Mission, KS: AAPC.
Harpur, J., Lawlor, M., and Fitzgerald, M. (2005). Succeeding in College with Asperger’s Syndrome: A Student Guide. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Lawson, W. (2003). Build Your Own Life: A Self-Help Guide for Individuals with Asperger Syndrome. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Palmer, A. (2006). Realizing the College Dream with Autism or Asperger Syndrome: A Parent’s Guide to Student Success. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Thierfeld Brown, J., Wolf, L., King, L. & Bork, R. (2012). The Parent’s Guide to College for Students on the Autism Spectrum. Shawnee Mission, KS: AAPC.
Wehman, P., Datlow-Smith, M. & Shall, C. (2009). Autism and the Transition to Adulthood: Success Beyond the Classroom. Baltimore, MD: Brookes Publishing.
Articles
Shattuck, P., Narendorf Cooper B., Sterzing P., Wagner M., Taylor J. (2012). Postsecondary education and employment among youth with an autism spectrum disorder. Pediatrics;129 (6):1042-9.
Newman, L., Wagner, M., Knokey, A., Marder, C., Nagle, K., Shaver, D., Wei, X., Cameto, R., Contreras, E., Ferguson, K., Greene, S. & Schwarting, M. (2011). The Post-High School Outcomes of Young Adults With Disabilities up to 8 Years After High School. A Report From the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (NLTS2)(NCSER 2011-3005). Menlo Park, CA: SRI International. Available at http://www.nlts2.org/reports/
National Center for Educational Statistics. Postsecondary graduation rates (indicator 45-2012). 2012.
