Looking for a college with more robust supports for students with IEPs (beyond extra time, ect.)

College Search & Lists
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Hello all,
I have been searching for a college for my son who has a learning disability and is also on the autism spectrum. He has excellent grades in high school - due to the small classes he was in and supports from special education. I am having difficulty finding a school that has additional special education supports beyond just the regular disabilities office (extra time, copy of notes). I am looking more for a school that has a support program for students with IEPs . (I understand some of these you have to pay for) .

He is looking for a school that is medium to large size, he tends to gravitate towards “rah rah” big football schools.

I know there is Landmark, we are not interested in that school . University of Alabama has a program for spectrum students so we have that as a possibility.

Are there any others that people could recommend? I appreciate any feedback.

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A few schools I know of have specific programs I believe at an extra cost. UArizona (SALT) or Marist (Learning Support Program) may work.

This could be a resource https://www.amazon.com/Guide-Colleges-Students-Learning-Differences/dp/0593517407/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2IHA3GEUL8A7O&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.tBSdSQWyXt9GwqJt2dVGmWc-pLjMk-jm6HeP4b2Z8etboYux2H8l9borClbsx1Z8pRB3QAmpPUn1BlH8IUsKL3O2uxfci4BhpE86OMUTRXtQUoU-QXqOsI4hubAty04pUzLv4pGO-yG1FTF3UfIsjBW6iw89c50yCW-BIC4AZMMCr26xicfoxX3s8REKiTwcmUkqFL8tYNJmHEMiaCW4mEp36mmRD47h1zN7CQlcIPc.m2uR500EwQCHHUVJeoy6skCUGuomYSTRSXQg_kIJJdg&dib_tag=se&keywords=learning+disabilities+book+college+guide&qid=1736959332&sprefix=learning+disabilities+book+college+guide%2Caps%2C97&sr=8-1

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We’re in the same boat and applying this year. We’ve done a ton of research and I’m happy to share, but it mostly depends on what he plans to study?

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I will say that the Big 10 schools have much of what you’re looking for.

Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio State all have excellent disability support, including either pay or no-pay support for neurodiverse students. They also have excellent academics and school spirit.

Again, it mostly depends on what your son plans to study? Could you give us a hint of his expected scores and grades, so we can help suggest schools in his realistic range of options?

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Hi he is interested in becoming an elementary teacher so elementary education.

Yes, he has applied to Ohio State, we have not gotten the decision yet. I did not know that they had a support program there.

Which Michigan and Illinois schools should I look into? (If you happen to know the names of the support programs that would be great) or any other schools.

Many of the programs we have found are for students who audit classes only (which is not what we are looking for) For example Iowa has an amazing program but it is not for students going for an undergraduate degree which he is (their program gives a certificate and focuses on life skills).

Thanks for any feedback/advice!

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This thread has a number of links and resources (and stories from people with experience) that might be helpful:

Posts #86 and 88 in particular have some links that may be helpful in the search.

U. of Arizona, already mentioned here, was one school suggested. U. of Denver is a mid-sized school with lots of spirit around hockey that was mentioned several different times as well. Some other big spirit schools mentioned include UConn, Colorado State, and Rutgers. Additionally, Syracuse may be worth investigating, too.

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I’m not sure about Michigan, I couldn’t get him to apply because we’re from Columbus! :wink:

The Ohio State University

• Autism College Experience (Ace!): Ace! assists students with autism or similar communication challenges in navigating college life by fostering self-determination, social communication, and campus connections. Services include academic coaching, social skills sessions, and peer support.

• Aspirations Program: Aspirations is a group-based social skills and support program for adolescents and adults (ages 13-30) with autism spectrum disorder and their families. It focuses on building social and vocational skills, self-confidence, and a sense of belonging.

• Autism Self-Advocacy Program (ASAP): ASAP is a 10-week program that emphasizes developing self-advocacy skills, covering topics like self-awareness, communication, leadership, rights, and self-disclosure.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign provides support for students with autism through its Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES). DRES offers a range of services, including academic accommodations, assistive technology, and support for developing independent living skills.

Additional Schools (support and school spirit/culture):

  1. Drexel University

Drexel’s Autism Support Program (DASP) offers one-on-one coaching and developmental workshops to enhance self-advocacy and academic skills.

  1. University of Alabama

The UA-ACTS Program provides personalized support focusing on academic progress, social transition, and life skills, with regular mentor meetings.

  1. Rutgers University

The College Support Program (CSP) offers comprehensive academic and social support, life skills training, and career development services for students on the autism spectrum.

  1. University of Connecticut

The Strategic Education for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (SEAD) program provides a support system starting at freshman year, helping students transition into college life.

  1. Kent State University

Kent State has developed extensive services to support students with autism, including pairing neurotypical students with those on the spectrum to aid in social and academic integration.

  1. Eastern Michigan University

The Autism Collaborative Center offers services for autistic individuals and their families, including support groups, educational workshops, and various therapies.

  1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The TEACCH Autism Program provides community-based services, training programs, and research for individuals with autism, focusing on enhancing their quality of life.

  1. Marshall University

The College Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder offers individualized support across academics, social skills, and independent living, emphasizing preparation for post-college life.

  1. Texas Tech University

Through the Burkhart Transition Academy, students with ASD can participate in daily classes that strengthen social, life, and job skills, including internships with job coach supervision.

  1. University of Florida

Offers comprehensive support for neurodiverse students through the Disability Resource Center, providing tailored services to enhance academic and social success.

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UConn seems to have robust services for students with high academic ability who are on the autism spectrum. I’ve heard good reports from a couple of people and I believe there is a member of CC whose daughter is doing very well there. If your son is interested in engineering, they even have a program specifically for engineering majors.

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Echoing the recommendations for Rutgers and U Conn, and have also heard great things about the supports at Drexel.

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Some great restaurants around Drexel, too!

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