Main image courtesy of the Autism Research Institute.
Autism, or Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is best defined as a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. Autism can be diagnosed at any age, even though it is described as a developmental disorder because symptoms don’t generally arise in the first two years of life.
Most common types of symptoms in those with autism:
- Struggling with communication and interaction in regards to other people.
- Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors
- Symptoms that affect their ability to function in areas like school and work.
Tendencies of those with autism in social interactions:
- Making little to no eye contact.
- Appearing not to look at or listen to people that have been talking.
- Not sharing much interest, emotion, or enjoyment of objects or activities (including by infrequently pointing at or showing things to others).
- Not responding at all or being slow to respond to one’s name or verbal bids for attention
- Having difficulties with the two channels of conversation.
- Talking a lot about a favorite subject without noticing that others are not interested or not letting anyone else respond.
- Displaying facial expressions, movements, and gestures that do not match whatever is being said.
- Having an unusual tone of voice that may sound sing-song like.
- Having trouble understanding another person’s point of view or being unable to predict or understand other people’s actions.
- Difficulties adjusting behaviors in social situations.
- Difficulties making friends.
Autism & Schooling
It’s important for students with autism to have a bit more of a structured environment that will be destined to make them thrive. Instructional support is vital in the classroom setting, and most students with autism learn better through visual guides and demonstrations.
IDEA, or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, is set in place to ensure autistic students in the public school setting receive a free and appropriate public education. Autisitc children in school will also have an IEP, or Individualized Education Plan. In this plan, several benchmarks will be laid out based on what needs and goals the child has.
Colleges Best for those with Autism
In total, there’s an estimated 1.8 to 2.6 million college students that are somewhere on the autism spectrum. This makes it important for colleges everywhere to take the needs/goals of autistic students seriously. Check out these top schools that have the best programs for autistic students.
Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University is home to a chapter of Autism Speaks Inc. which is currently the largest autism advocacy organization in the country. The mission of Autism Speaks is to promote autism awareness within communities and resemble an advocate for people with autism. Autism Speaks also tries to engage members in fundraising events for autism research. Autism Speaks was first founded in 2005 and has grown into the largest autism awareness and advocacy organization in the United States. Autism Speaks was also first launched nationally in 2008. There are over 50 official Autism Speaks chapters nationwide. Since the first inaugural event at Penn State in 2006, Autism Speaks events have raised over $1 million and student-organized Walk teams have brought in millions and millions more.
Through Autism Speaks, students at Appalachian State with autism have access to:
- Special events
- Different social networking efforts
- Academic and career services
- Counseling and other types of support for therapy
The university itself also supports various research efforts regarding autism, offers courses on Autism Spectrum Disorders as a subject, and even provides various students with Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificates.
Saint Joseph’s University
Students with autism who attend Saint Joseph’s University have a very high graduation rate, at 85%! This strong level of college completion is due in part to the college’s Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support, which helps both students and even the general population. This autism center first opened in 2009, but the college’s autism activities have been happening since long before the center had opened, with the college’s first autism awareness day taking place in April of 2004.
The autism support program, ASPIRE, will cost you about $6,000 per year. The Kinney Center for Autism has also been expanding its college support program to virtually serve individuals with autism at campuses throughout the entire country. Over the past decade, ASPIRE students have accomplished an 84% success rate. Collegexpress, College Autism Spectrum and Savingforcollege are all sources that have strongly recommended Saint Joseph’s University.
The ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder Endorsement) at Saint Joseph’s is endorsed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and features a curriculum that has a primary focus on assessment and research-based strategies. The program also places special emphasis on skill development and behavioral modification for students of all ages that have been diagnosed somewhere on the autism spectrum.
University of West Florida
The University of West Florida is an ideal place for autistic students that generally need some type of one-on-one assistance. The university offers individualized social, academic, and career support for its autistic students through their “Argos for Autism” program, where professional coaches help students transition into their college life and help with any kind of academic planning. The school also offers an early move-in program for ASD students at just $100, which will include two days of activities for undergraduates that will help them adjust to living on their own.
Service options included by the Argos Autism Program:
- AAP Early Arrival Program: a set of workshops that help students get adjusted to campus life prior to the start of the fall semester.
- Accessibility Coaching: a professional staff member from the Student Accessibility will help students navigate campus resources and a variety of different accommodation needs.
- Academic Coaching: Student staff members will provide assistance with time management and academic support.
Marshall University
The College Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder at Marshall University was first created in 2002. Autistic students who participated in the program have met acceptance criteria for Marshall University and have been admitted to The College Program through a separate application process. The program uses a positive behavior support approach to help any participating students. Social, communication, academic, leisure and personal living skills are evaluated through individual planning. Personal goals and strategies are created based on whatever needs the student may have. Students can expect to learn valuable skills that will help them lead a fulfilled productive life.
Marshall University also has its own Autism Training Center. Admission to the center is about $3,200 a semester. This may seem like a pretty expensive fee, but because of additional funds the school does a great job at providing exceptional support to students with autism. Students get one-on-one interaction with advisors daily so they can plan to-dos for the days and set goals. Students will gain confidence, skills to help in the job market, and overall improvements in progression. Students will also get to meet with professors often to help them succeed even further individually.
Kent State University
Kent State University is known for its excellent support of students with autism. The school offers a variety of different services for students with autism that will help give them a number of different options to choose from. The Autism Advocates Program at Kent State was created to help students develop strategies for academic and personal success. Another program at Kent State is the College Success for Students with Asperger’s or Autism, a program that offers job assistance, self-advocacy work, and individualized academic support.
Finally, the PALS program (Partnering for Achievement and Learning Success) partners ASD students with students that are neurotypical to help them develop their social skills. This program allows the student to meet with their advocate approximately six times a year (three times in the fall and three times in the spring) to create strategies that will lead to academic success. It’s important to note that all information shared between the student and advocate is kept confidential.
With the proper resources, autistic students are more than capable of thriving in college which will lead to greater success later in life.
