Considerations for College

Preparing for College

Preparing for college can be an overwhelming experience for both students and their parents. The Center for Parent Information and Resources has a helpful guide for those wanting to organize their thoughts and find an appropriate next step after graduating high school.

Click here for the Center for Parent Information and Resources guide: https://www.parentcenterhub.org/wp-content/uploads/repo_items/guiding-questions-exiting-ntact.pdf

Common Challenges that Autistic College Students Face:

Many autistic college students can be successful academically.  However, the change from living at home with a strong support system to living on campus can be big.  Some may find it beneficial to begin college courses at a community college and commute from home.  This gives students the ability to uphold a stable support system at home while adjusting to the new course load college offers.

While the classes in college may pose a new challenge to students academically, some may also struggle with executive functioning, such as switching between one task to another, staying on task, planning out their day, or organizing.  Struggles with social situations can also add to the challenge of transitioning to college life.  Social and emotional support systems can help ease the shift into college life.  Classroom accommodations as well as study skill and academic counseling should also be considered when autistic students enter college.  When touring potential colleges, it is important to ask about special programs and accommodations each school offers.

Colleges and Universities in Georgia with Programs for Autistic Students:

Some colleges have specific programs designed for those with autism in mind.  There are currently 9 colleges throughout the state of Georgia that have programs designed for autistic people and allow for an easier transition into college living.

Click here for more information about each school’s programs and requirements:

http://www.gaipsec.org/includecollege.html

Click here for a list of colleges throughout the nation that offer programs for those living with ASD:

https://www.topcollegeconsultants.com/autism-in-college/

Helpful Resources for Preparing for College:

• CollegeMAP: CollegeMAP is a service offered by The Asperger/ Autism Network that matches autistic college students with a counselor.  CollegeMAP counselors offer help to students that need assistance in managing their workload, communicating their accommodation needs to college administration and finding support systems and programs at college.

Click here for CollegeMAP: https://www.aane.org/resources/adults/lifemap-coaching/

• ASD Ascend: ASD Ascend provides a database of community colleges, colleges and universities in the United States that accommodate autistic students.  You can find schools by location, accommodations offered by the school, school size, tuition cost, and more.

Click here to learn more about ASD Ascend: https://asdascend.com/

Scholarship Opportunities:

Scholarships can help ease the financial burden that college brings.  Here are a few options to explore that are specific to college students with ASD:

Perecman

• Awarded by Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C.
• $5,000 scholarship
• Criteria:  1.  Student living with autism, or has loved one with autism; 2. Enrolled or accepted to college, university or vocational program

Link: Autism Scholarship | Avonte Oquendo Memorial Scholarship

KFM

• $500 scholarship
• Criteria: Attending or enrolled in post-secondary program

Link: Apply For Our Autism Scholarship – KFM Making A Difference

ASD Ascend

• Criteria: 1. Enrolled or attending school for bachelor’s or associates program; 2. Must provide proof of diagnosis

Link: The ASD Ascend Autism College Scholarships

Schwallie Family Scholarship and The Lisa Higgins Hussman Scholarship

• Schwallie Family Scholarship:  $3,000 scholarship
• Criteria: 1. Pursuit of associates or bachelors degree; 2. Must provide proof of diagnosis

Schwallie Family Scholarship and The Lisa Higgins Hussman Scholarship

• Lisa Higgins Hussman Scholarship: $3,000 scholarship
• Criteria:  1. Pursuit of two year universities, life skills or postsecondary programs, or vocational, technical, or trade schools; 2. Must provide proof of diagnosis

Link: Scholarships

Kelly Law Team

• Awarded by Kelly Law Team (Phoenix, AZ): $1,000 scholarship
• Pursuit of college, trade school or graduate program

Link: Autism Scholarship Contest | Phoenix Personal Injury Lawyer

Varghese

• Awarded by Varghese Summersett PLLC:  $500 scholarship

Link: Autism Scholarship

Article by: The Autism ToolKit