CIP Full-Year Transition Program
We focus on small ratios and specialized academics and services on a per-student basis, as well as flexibility as it relates to the curriculum and content needs of our student participants.
About the Program
- CIP was founded in 1984 as one of the first abilities-based programs of its kind for young adults with autism and learning differences.
- CIP has expanded to 5 center locations across the US
- CIP’s Full-Year Program provides approximately 43 weeks of programming and services each year, plus the ability to stay over certain break periods.
- The program operates within three terms: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
- The program year begins in August (Fall) and concludes in July of the following year.
- Students are comprehensively assessed in CIP’s admissions process to determine program eligibility.
- Students who enter CIP choose one of two tracks: an Academic Track or a Vocational Track.
- Students reside in a supported apartment living setting with other students in the program, attend local colleges, and participate in employment experiences based on their interests.
- Staff support students in multiple environments: Independent living supports within student housing, at the Center throughout the day and evening hours, at the workplace, in the community, and for 24/7 on-call emergency support.
- Socialization is a main focus of the CIP Program. 4-5 structured social events take place each week along with a few larger recreational events and our international trip annually as part of CIP’s Program for Global Engagement.
- Service determinations are made by CIP based on the assessment of the individual student’s needs and are subject to change throughout the program period.
- Students are expected to maintain participation and engagement in their CIP program during their enrollment period. CIP tracks student attendance, performance, and overall engagement weekly and will work with students and their families if and when any challenges occur.
- CIP plans for and maintains comprehensive levels of staffing, Center space, fully-furnished student housing, van transportation, and other resources to deliver a unique quality program experience.
Admissions Criteria
CIP's Full-Year Program admissions criteria is as follows:
- Ages 18 to 26 years old
- High level of motivation to meet program goals
- Low average to high intelligence
- Potential to live and attend college or career program independently
- Documented diagnosis of on the autism spectrum, ADHD, NLD, dyslexia or other learning differences
- Emotional, behavioral, and psychological stability
CIP Services & Supports
CIP offers specialized services under one roof in the areas of academic, career, life skills, social skills, advising, wellness, and clinical; all individualized based on each student’s needs:
Social Skills Development
CIP students are active in the direction of their lives and develop lasting friendships and social networks. Our social skills programs for autism and learning differences provide a structured support system and evidence-based curriculum.
Academic Support
CIP offers comprehensive college academic coaching services and other supports for students with autism, ADHD, and learning differences. Achieve academic success while pursuing a degree at a local college or university.
Employment Support
CIP’s career coaching services provide college-age students on the autism spectrum and learning differences real-life internship and job experiences with expert support and direction.
Independent Living
Residential supported apartment living prepares young adults with learning differences and autism for independent living. Gain real life skills and transition to higher levels of independence.
Health & Wellness
Young adults with autism and LD perform at their best when there is a sustained level of wellness in their lives. Clinical therapy, diet, fitness, sleep, are core areas of CIP's health and wellness program.
Creative Arts
All CIP programs offer unique opportunities for young adults with learning differences to express themselves artistically and develop their unique interests and talents within the creative arts.
Advising
CIP Advisors work individually with students on personal goal setting, weekly self-assessment, building self-advocacy and self-disclosure skills. Our experienced Advisors help students and their family members navigate the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
Executive Functioning
A key skill required during daily activities such as making it to class on time, being organized with classwork, and even social recreational events. "EF" services and supports are integrated into the CIP program as part of our cutting-edge curriculum.
Levels of Support
Young adults with learning differences and autism transitioning to adulthood benefit most from individualized support in the area of social skills, college academics, internship and career development, and life skills. Incoming CIP students are assessed during the admissions process and ongoing throughout the program to determine a Level of Support which provides each student with the appropriate amount and type of supports for success.
Available Tracks
In addition to CIP’s comprehensive and individually tailored services, each student chooses to pursue one of the following main areas of focus:
College Academic Track
Attend a local or online college, university, or vocational program to pursue the field of study of your choice with CIP’s academic support and guidance.
Career Development Track
CIP’s career development track, Career Skills Training & Employment Program (C-STEP), offers hand-on, small group classes and more extensive internship and job experiences.
A Week in the Life – CIP students are active in the direction of their lives. View an example weekly student schedule to find out how CIP supports young adults with Autism, ADHD, and other special needs while they pursue college, employment, and independent living.
Shopping for a Transition Program?
If you’re looking to identify a great post-secondary transition program for a young adult on the autism spectrum or with learning differences, use the following comprehensive guide to help make sure you are asking the right questions.
