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How to Find the Right College for Autistic Students

An image of two college-aged boys working on a computer

Marina Sarris

Date Published: July 24, 2024

Regardless of where autistic students fall along the academic spectrum, whether they earned a traditional high school diploma or a certificate of completion, there is a college program for them. But it may take some research to find the right fit. Here are some resources and tips that could help.

What Are the College Options for Students With Intellectual Disabilities?

Autistic students with intellectual disabilities can receive U.S. federal student aid to attend approved programs at more than 150 colleges and universities in 42 states. Students in these comprehensive transition and postsecondary (CTP) programs focus on academic, job, and independent living skills. They typically attend some classes or job training programs with neurotypical students. For a list of CTP programs, see the Federal Student Aid website or ThinkCollege.net.

ThinkCollege.net also lists two- and four-year colleges that have other programs for students with intellectual disabilities. Students in these non-CTP programs do not receive federal financial aid. However, some of these programs may be funded by public school districts or vocational rehabilitation agencies serving those students.

Can I Get Support If I Attend a Selective University?

Yes. Every U.S. college and university that accepts federal money must provide “reasonable accommodations” to students with disabilities who are otherwise qualified for admission to that school. Academic accommodations often include extended time on tests, a testing room free of distractions, screen readers or audio books, and use of a note taker or recorder for class notes.

Colleges differ in the level of support they offer students with autism so it’s important to do your research. You may contact the college’s disabilities support services office to find out how to register, what documentation you need, and more.

You may want to ask:

  • What accommodations are available?
  • How do professors find out about a student’s academic accommodations?
  • Can a student get a housing accommodation like a private dorm room? What does the college do to reduce the sensory overload of bright lights and loud noise in dorms?
  • Do you have mentoring and social programs for autistic students?
  • Do you offer tutoring, either by students or professionals?
  • Are mental health providers available on campus?

What If an Autistic Student Wants More Than “Reasonable Accommodations”?

About six dozen colleges in 29 states have optional autism support programs, according to a 2022 study. These services, which exceed what’s required by law, may include mentoring, tutoring, counseling, and help with social, independent living, job, and self-advocacy skills.

Some of these programs are free to students, but most charge an extra fee, beyond tuition. The average fee was about $3,500 per semester, with services and costs varying by school, according to a study published in 2020.

Scholarships and your state vocational rehabilitation agency may help pay the cost of these programs.

The West Virginia Autism Training Center at Marshall University has an assessment worksheet for students and families to use when researching these programs.

Its Benchmarks for Effective Supports for College Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders recommends asking if an autism program has professionals or paraprofessionals who teach independent living skills and social networking skills, among other questions.

How Can I Find Colleges With Special Programs for Autistic Students?

You can find a list of these programs and links to them at the College Autism Network. The list was developed by two authors of a study of college autism programs, with support from the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation at Vanderbilt University.

Where Can I Learn More About College?

To learn about your rights and responsibilities at college, and what to expect on campus, check out these resources, which can be downloaded free:

What If a College Education Seems Hard to Achieve?

Ernst O. VanBergeijk, Ph.D., MSW, recommends that teachers, service providers, and families expect more for autistic students, including college and vocational experiences. He directed programs for students with intellectual disabilities at universities in New York and Massachusetts. Graduates have gone on to jobs and more, he says. “There is a tyranny of low expectations for students with autism,” he says. “You have to shoot for the moon.”

See a related SPARK article, “Autism and the College Experience.”

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