Post-HS Transitional Support
Transitional Programs
While gap years can provide an excellent transition for many neurodiverse youth, the following programs are aimed towards students
who want to launch from the nest
but may not be interested in or ready for a traditional gap year experience.
While these programs can support college attendance, CIP and CLE will also help students focus exclusively on independent living skills and career transitions.
For more programs that support career transitions, see gap programs and alumni pages. Also note that in CA, both Regional Center and the DOR (Department of Rehabilitation) have programs to help students transition to college or careers. See DOR services on the financial resources page.
Not listed below--because they do not offer options in the Western US--are
College Steps (East Coast) and Options for College Success (IL).
RESOURCE: The K&W Guide to Colleges for Students Who Learn Differently provides a list of Independent Living Options throughout the US that can provide excellent transitional programs for students with differing levels of disability.
See the summer programs page for additional summer transitional options.
Mitchell Thames Program
"Thames at Mitchell College is a holistic college transition program for students with learning differences or students who would benefit from additional preparation to succeed in college—and it’s right on the campus of Mitchell College, which has been long-recognized for its innovative support for students with learning differences."
Landmark TaC Year
https://www.landmark.edu/admissions/tac
"Similar to a Gap or Post Grad option, TaC is a track that provides resources and opportunities to explore academic, social, and professional interests while assessing strengths and weaknesses.
Students are admitted to the Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies and may choose the TaC track where they take a reduced credit load within a structured academic and residential environment."
Dean Engage Program
https://www.dean.edu/support-success/engage-program/
"The program is designed to "help students learn effective communication skills, including reading and reacting to social cues and building healthy relationships through peer socialization. The program will also focus on learning self-care and balance, and effective academic planning and organization."
https://www.beaconcollege.edu/admissions/navigator-prep/
This virtual program is open to current college students and high school students looking to prepare for college.
"Together, students and parents learn how to connect to their college of choice and its students — and how to maximize the resources and support of faculty and staff."
CLE
90% of young people at CLE are in a college or degree program.
"CLE students pursue their academic program or career of interest while also receiving services across the domains of independent living and social skill development."
CLE provides internal academic support.
Note: CLE Monterey and Costa Mesa are CA Regional Center Vendors. If you are a Regional Center client, contact your Regional Center services coordinator for more information.
Mansfield Hall
Mansfield Hall has locations in Burlington, VT; Madison, WI; and Eugene, OR.
100% of young people at Mansfield Hall are in a college or degree program.
"Mansfield Hall is a living and learning community which provides residential, academic, executive functioning, social, and independent living skill support to students who are going to college."
Students live in the Mansfield residence and receive support from a fantastic team as they take classes as a non-matriculated student at a local college. Mansfield offers a Summer Bridge program, a Virtual Program to support students attending ANY college, and Mansfield Connections, a program that continues support for non-residential students.
CIP
95% + of young people at CIP are in a college or degree program.
"CIP’s programs uniquely address the needs of young adults with learning differences by focusing on the generalization of skills while living within a community of peers in a supported apartment living environment. Each student’s unique needs are met individually as they transition to independent living, college, and employment."
Note: CIP Long Beach and Berkeley are a CA Regional Center Vendors. If you are a Regional Center client, contact your Regional Center services coordinator for more information.
College Steps
100% of young people working with College Steps are in certificate or degree programs.
College Steps is an East Coast non-profit with offices in colleges in Connecticut (CT State Community College), Massachusetts (American International College), New Jersey (County College of Morris, Kean University), New York (Rockland CC), Vermont (CC of Vermont in 6 locations and Vermont State University in 3 locations), and Virginia (Brightpoint CC and Northern Virginia CC in 3 locations).
They offer support for: academics, social involvement, independent living (on campus at residential schools), and pre-employment training.
Options for College Success
70% of young people working with OCS are in certificate or degree programs.
Options is a nonprofit in Illinois that aims to: "support developmentally disabled young adults navigate the post-secondary world. We help them build the courage and confidence necessary to succeed academically, work productively, and live independently!"
California Families
May be able to make use of DOR and Regional Center transitional services.
California DOR can help support students with disabilities (including LDs). Click here for more information.
If you are a California Regional Center client, they may be able to help you access transitional, career, or educational services. They may also be able to help pay for an internship! Call them to set up a meeting to discuss post-secondary transitional plans.
Washington Families
Can make use of services, including young adult transitional services available through the Northwest Access Fund.
Other WA state supports for young people with ASD and LDs can be found here.