Resources If you Are Living with
Autism or Social Communication Disorder
There are many programs that specifically support your unique needs. Knowing these programs can help you decide your next step after high school.
Click on Logos to go directly to website
General Support
These agencies support all areas of need. Look at their website to see what they offer and if it is right for you.
Stanford Neurodiversity Project
Get assistance with employment, and also provide input on what supports that would best benefit you.
Support for employment, college, independent living social groups.
**This service has a cost. You can inquire with your DOR or GGRC counselor to see if they can provide funding.
College Support programs
Click on the buttons for Interesting Articles to Read:
(Hayward, CA)
From their website:
Our mission is simple: to help students who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder to transition and succeed in the higher education environment.
**This service is provided for students enrolled at Cal State East Bay.
CIP - College Internship Program
(Berkeley, CA)
From their website:
A specialized transition program in the Bay Area assisting young adults on the Autism Spectrum, ADHS, and other learning differences to find success in college, employment and independent living.
**This service has a cost. You can inquire with your DOR or GGRC counselor to see if they can provide funding.
CLE - College Living Experience
(Monterey, CA)
Support program for students who are attending college.
From their website:
CLE students pursue their academic program or career of interest while also receiving services across the domains of independent living and social skill development.
**This service has a cost. You can inquire with your DOR or GGRC counselor to see if they can provide funding.
(Sacramento)
From their website:
Meristem is dedicated to preparing young adults on the autism spectrum for a life of greater independence and fulfillment. Our three-year transitional program serves students ages 18-28 from all over the United States.
**This school is a private institution requiring tuition. It is recommended you inquire about scholarships or financial aid with this program, as well as inquiring with your DOR or GGRC counselor if they can provide some funding.
OAR - Organization for Autism Research
From the website:
This video on Asperger Syndrome and Adulthood focuses on educating professors, teaching assistants, and others on what it means to be a college student on the spectrum and how they might best be able to help them succeed.
Students can provide the video to their professors by providing a link to the video via the internet.
College Programs - Out of state
When you participate in out of state college programs, you will have to consider:
You will be living a far distance from your family and likely in a dormatory.
Cost: In addition to tuition (cost of the college), you will have to pay extra for living in another state.
Financial Aid: In addition to FAFSA, You will have to find out of Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) or GGRC will help pay for some of the cost of out of state programs.
(Richfield, Minnesota)
Minnesota Independence College and Community (MICC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit vocational and life skills training program for autistic and neurodiverse young adults.
Click here for Requirements for Admission (bottom of page) and Admission process.
Employment Support/inclusion Programs
The following programs either specifically support the recruitment of people
Employers who value diversity that individuals with Autism bring (COMING SOON!)
How do you get a job with these employers?
Best to express your interest with Department of Rehabiltiation or reach out to the agency that is connected with the employer.
You can also contact the employer directly.
Note that your Department of Rehabilitation can help you organize what you can say when you introduce yourself.
Housing Support
(Palo Alto, CA)
Assistance ranges from helping you find a place to live on your own to teaching you how to live on your own.
Moving Forward Toward Independence
(Napa, CA)
From their website:
A residential Program offering transitional and Independent Living support to post-secondary adults with developmental and Autism spectrum disabilities.
(Berkeley, CA)
They have a independent living component and housing specifically for participants in their program.
There is a cost to this program.
(Monterey, CA)
They have a independent living component and housing specifically for participants in their program.
There is a cost to this program.
Healthcare support
A guide for you to give to your Dental Provider so that they can understand you and your needs a little better. Developed by AutismSpeaks.
Webinars & pODCASTS
UCLA Tarjan Center webinar - Strategies for Supporting Students with Autism
The host and guests on this podcast are also neurodivergent (aka they learn differently) so they speak from experience!!!
The host and guests on this podcast are also neurodivergent (aka they learn differently) so they speak from experience!!!
