Neurodivergent College Student Resources
A primary aim of CAARES is to contribute to efforts to promote the inclusivity of educational and employment spaces for Neurodivergent individuals.
If CAARES can help you advocate, access resources, or connect you with other supports, please connect with us HERE or email us at Autism@sunyempire.edu.
A variety of supports, resources, and information are included below that may support Neurodivergent college students or Neurodivergent individuals who are transitioning into college or considering pursuing higher education.
The CAARES team has conducted and hosted a number of webinars related to promoting Neurodivergent college student success in higher education:
“The 5 Steps to Making New Friends, Dating, and Being More Social: A Roadmap for Autistic and Neurodiverse Students" by Jeremy Hamburgh, My Best Social Life
This presentation from My Best Social Life was hosted by CAARES. Jeremy Hamburg (My Best Social Life) presented five steps to making new friends, dating, and being more social.
“Bringing Compassion to Compulsions: Gaining Insight into the Experience of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)” by Brian Healy LMHC, LBA, BCBA, NCC, CCMHC.
This presentation will focus on the topic of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with a goal of increasing our understanding of OCD, in an effort to promote greater compassion and support for those with the condition.
“Dude Where’s My IEP: Succeeding in College with Autism” by Dr. Kerry Magro
Dr. Kerry Magro, autistic speaker and advocate, provided guidance for autistic students on how to navigate higher education once individualized education plans and supports are no longer in effect.
“A Different Path: Always Defending” with guest Michael Gilberg, Esq. & host Armando J. Bernal, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, and CAARES’ Dr. Noor Syed and Dr. Lauren Allen
From childhood dream jobs to a call for advocacy and defense, Michael Gilberg and Armando J. Bernal discuss what challenges individuals with autism currently face. Read more about Michael Gilberg and Armando Bernal’s Autism International Consulting.
AASPIRE Healthcare Toolkit offers primary care resources for Autistic adults including checklists and worksheets, personalized accommodations report, information regarding healthcare processes and patient rights, among other valuable topics.
A Self-Advocate’s Guide to Medicaid provides information about Medicaid for Autistic individuals.
ASERT Bringing Autism Resources Together organizes thousands of resources for Autistic individuals from a variety of organizations.
- Be Well, Think Well: An Overview of Anxiety
- Educational Differences Between High School and College 1-page information sheet
- College Information for Individuals with Autism
- Conflict Resolution
- Mental Health Resource Collective
- Post-Secondary Education with a Disability Preparation Checklist provides grade-by-grade items for 9th-12th graders
- Secondary Transition: Exploring the Options of a Two- or Four-Year College
Autism Society seeks to connect Autistic people to resources they may want, when they want them using education, advocacy, support, information, referrals, and community programming. Check out the Autism Society’s Resources by topic.
Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is a nonprofit, grassroots disability rights organization run by and for Autistic people. ASAN notes that they fight for disability rights, promote self-advocacy, and aim to involve Autistic people in policy-making. The ASAN website houses resources and tools on a variety of topics relevant for Autistic people. Check out ASAN’s Navigating College Handbook and Accessing Home and Community-Based Services: A Guide for Self-Advocates.
College Autism Network links varied stakeholders engaged in evidence-guided efforts to improve access, experiences, and outcomes for postsecondary students with autism.
- Autism-Specific College Support Programs locator
- College Autism Summit - The College Autism Network hosts an annual conference for self-advocates and professionals
DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) Center aims to promote the success of people with disabilities through technology and education. DO-IT promotes awareness and accessibility ineducation settings and the workplace to increase inclusivity. They offer information about programs, resources, videos, and have a knowledge base.
ECHO Autism: Advocates extends the ECHO model which offers learning using a multidisciplinary model to provide support and education for Autistic advocates and families of Autistic individuals. Sign up to join the free ECHO Autism: Advocates sessions.
GLSEN provides a variety of resources including webinars and student resources.
LGBTQI Resource Page by ASERT provides information and resources spanning the topics of gender identity, sexual orientation, transgender and non-binary, and more.
My Best Social Life helps Autistic and Neurodivergent adults make friends or “find their tribe,” as they note on their website, and connect with others in dating and romantic relationships.
Neurodiversity Hub promotes the success of Neurodivergent individuals in the classroom and workplace, supporting Neurodivergent individuals through trainings and linking them with internship and employment experiences.
NEXT for Autism promotes access to effective services and supports for Autistic individuals with the aim to increase quality of life. NEXT for Autism webinars and manuals spanning a variety of topics relevant for Autistic and Neurodivergent college students:
- College on the Autism Spectrum
- Self-Disclosure: Quick Tips for Work, School, and Home
- The Gap in Support Between School and Adulthood Part 1
- The Gap in Support Between School and Adulthood Part 2: What is Autism Cliff?
- Online Safety Manual
Organization for Autism Research (OAR) aims to support all members of the autism community(self-advocates, families, educators, and researchers). The curated resources here are geared toward Autistic and Neurodivergent individuals.
- OAR College Central Hub - Includes a variety of information hubs on topics such as self-advocacy, academics, campus life, and career & money.
- OAR Self-Advocacy Hub - Includes a variety of pieces by CAARES’ Dr. Lauren Lestremau Allen
- Deciding Whether to Disclose Your Disability in College by Dr. Lauren Lestremau Allen
- Obtaining Approved Accommodations through Your College’s Disability Services Office by Dr. Lauren Lestremau Allen
- Advocating for Accommodations in College by Dr. Lauren Lestremau Allen
- OAR free guidebooks and resources on a variety of topics:
Think College is a nationwide initiative from UMass Boston dedicated to promoting inclusive higher education for students with intellectual disability.
ACCES-VR (Vocational Rehabilitation) aims to support individuals with disabilities to access employment. For individuals whose employment goal requires a college degree, ACCES-VR funding may be used to support college costs. Learn more in “Do you want a job that requires a college degree?”
Arc of New York offers services and information for individuals with disabilities and their families through chapters across New York.
CUSP Educational Services or College and University Support Programs offers transition support for high school and college students. Services can be offered in person in the Capital District and the Central Areas New York or remotely.
Disability Rights New York offers free legal and advocacy services to individuals with disabilities.
New York State Education Department Office of Special Education provides information on special education policy and practice relevant for individuals with disabilities through age 21.
Office for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) coordinates services for New York residents with developmental disabilities and provides services directly through nonprofit agencies.
State University of New York (SUNY) Students with Disabilities offers a variety of resources and tools for Neurodivergent individuals enrolled or considering higher education.
Western New York Collegiate Consortium and Disability Advocates (CCDA) is a group of secondary and post-secondary professionals and community and government agency representatives in Western New York who support students with disabilities to transition from high school to higher education and to succeed in higher education. They offer a variety of resources and information.
Contact
CAARES
SUNY Empire Students, Faculty, Staff And Professional Employees:
Contact UsFor support, resources, consultation, and collaboration
Community Connections:
Contact UsFor support, consultation, and resources