Beyond Fun: How Summer Programs Build Executive Function, Social Confidence, and Independence

• By: Beth Felsen, MA Spectrum Transition Coaching, LLC
• September 15th, 2025
• autistic students, college readiness, emotional regulation, Fall 2025 Issue, independence skills, resilience, social skills, summer programs, transition to adulthood
• 1020    0

Summertime has so much potential. With more flexible schedules and a break from traditional classes, your student can focus on what matters most in their season of development. Autistic elementary age children and middle schoolers may benefit from additional focus on building or practicing social...

Supporting Autistic Adults: Am I College Ready?

• By: Trudy Ann Pines, EdD AHRC New York City Middle/High School
• April 12th, 2024
• advocacy, career exploration, college, college readiness, education, individualized education plan, legal rights, Spring 2024 Issue, transition
• 3321    0

Am I college ready? Such a question drew the attention of high school senior students in college readiness sessions at AHRC New York City’s Middle/High School. College readiness encompasses academic, social, and emotional learning support for students with autism and intellectual disabilities to...

Special Education and College Readiness

• By: Adrienne M. Nagy, MA Aaron School
• January 1st, 2014
• coaching, college readiness, disability accommodations, education, executive functioning skills, independent living skills, learning disabilities, postsecondary transition, self-advocacy
• 2106    0

Specialized college programs that provide support for students with learning disabilities, non-verbal learning disabilities, and Autism Spectrum Disorders are continuing to grow throughout the country. Although there is an increase in the number of programs that will assist students in receiving...

Summer Bridge Programs: Opportunities to Maximize Transition Success

• By: Ernst VanBergeijk, PhD, MSW New York Institute of Technology Vocational Independence Program
• April 1st, 2013
• college readiness, communal living, independent living skills, parent support, post-secondary transition, summer, summer bridge programs, vocational skills
• 2489    0

Summer is right around the corner. Every year parents are faced with the same dilemma regarding what to do with their child on the autism spectrum while school is not in session. There are a variety of activities a child could engage in. The problem is finding the right one that suits your...

Summer Programs for Adolescents and Young Adults

• By: Alissa Daner, MSEd Marty McGreevy, MEd Samantha Curiale-Feinman, MSEd, TSHH New Frontiers in Learning
• April 1st, 2013
• college readiness, community engagement, executive functioning, independent living skills, self-advocacy, social skills, students, summer programs, transition skills
• 4760    0

Summer vacation is a time ripe with opportunities for growth – a time to catch-up on academic learning, strengthen executive functioning, and improve social and communication competence. Opportunities abound during the summer months to engage in learning outside of the traditional classroom by...