College Academic Support
For Neurodiverse Students
CIP empowers young adults with autism and learning differences to build the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in college and higher education
Academic Supports for College-Age Students with Autism, ADHD & Learning Differences
Young adults enrolled in CIP’s comprehensive transition programs receive individualized academic and executive functioning supports while attending local colleges or universities. At the College Internship Program (CIP), we understand that students with autism and learning differences require more than just the standard accommodations typically offered in college autism programs. Our comprehensive academic support system goes beyond basic services to provide a personalized, holistic approach that empowers students to succeed both academically and personally.
CIP’s academic team empowers young adults with autism, ADHD, and other learning differences to:
- Identify goals, majors, and degree paths
- Navigate and access educational institution’s services and accommodations
- Develop executive, social, and academic skills to manage and complete coursework
- Communicate effectively with college personnel and with CIP advisors and families
- Learn related skills that will facilitate overall success in higher education through individual and group sessions
Our academic coaches work one-on-one with students, helping them develop essential skills such as time management, organization, and study strategies. This personalized support ensures that students can navigate the complexities of college coursework with confidence. Our integrated approach ensures that students receive support not just in their studies, but in every aspect of their college experience.
CIP understands the unique strengths and challenges that college-age individuals on the autism spectrum and with learning differences can possess. Our team of coaches provides valuable support and direction, helping each student identify and pursue a field of study that is both challenging and attainable.
Academic Coaching
CIP students taking courses at nearby colleges or online are aided in developing the skills necessary to plan, follow, and alter an their own academic program while maintaining frequent communication with college teachers, professors, and support services such as the disabilities office, student advising, and tutoring services.
Time Management & Organizational Skills
The development of executive functioning skills through planning assignments and breaking them down into manageable tasks is critical for young adults with autism, ADHD, and related challenges. CIP’s Bookends Academic EF Groups assist our enrolled students in prioritizing and organizing academic assignments and tasks for the week and through the weekend. Our students benefit from sharing strategies with one another.
Self-Advocacy & Self-Disclosure
Since each student learns differently, CIP’s Academic Team helps our young adults develop the organizational, self-advocacy, and self-disclosure skills that work best for their specific learning needs. CIP’s Academic and Social Skills Teams often work together to help students learn self-advocacy and self-disclosure skills related to the college environment through scripting, modeling, and facilitating communication with instructors, support staff, and classroom peers.
College Academic Options at CIP
Students pursuing academics at CIP’s Full-Year transition programs can enroll at local colleges, universities, and technical/vocational schools as a part of the program. Students can attend the following academic institutions with CIP’s comprehensive support programs for young adults 18-26 on the autism spectrum, with ADHD, and other learning differences.
Online virtually anywhere!
Beyond Academic Supports
While academic success is a critical component of our program, CIP recognizes that students with autism and learning differences thrive when supported across all areas of life. In addition to our robust academic services, CIP offers a wide array of additional supports, including:
- Social Skills Development: Our social skills training helps students build meaningful relationships, navigate social situations, and enhance their communication abilities.
- Independent Living Skills: We provide comprehensive training in independent living skills, such as cooking, budgeting, and time management, to prepare students for life beyond college.
- Career Counseling and Internships: CIP offers career development services, including job coaching, resume building, and access to internships, to help students transition smoothly into the workforce.
- Health and Wellness Support: Our program includes guidance on maintaining physical and mental health, with services ranging from fitness programs to mental health counseling.
