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Transforming Transitional Programs
Walking onto a college campus is the first step to adulthood and true independence. This step can cause excitement, fear and anxiety for most young people. For students with learning disabilities and on the autism spectrum, these emotions are magnified. It is a new world of unchartered territory...
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Supporting Students on the Autism Spectrum in Higher Education
The continuing rise in prevalence of autism, now at 1 in 88 (Center for Disease Control, 2012), has engendered greater awareness of the condition, followed by increased research, and improved interventions and strategies for individuals with Asperger Syndrome (AS) and High Functioning Autism (HFA)....
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Finding the Best Fit: Exploring College and Vocational Options
In the last twenty years the growing awareness of autism, the reconceptualization of autism as a spectrum of characteristics, and improved diagnostic techniques have contributed to the increased demand for specialized educational programs in elementary, secondary, and post-secondary educational...
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Education, Training, and Job Trends
There is no time greater than during a recession to consider the truth behind the phrase “education matters.” This is especially important for people with autism and other disabilities that, even in a “good economy,” have a difficult time finding employment. Why does post-secondary...
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The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation’s Latest Signature Programs Focus on Supporting by Educating Adults Living with Autism
The Daniel Jordan Fiddle (DJF) Foundation has entered its second decade of developing, advocating for and funding unique and groundbreaking initiatives that benefit the lives of adults living with autism spectrum. Exciting new collaborations with the nation’s leading advocacy organizations and...
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Motivational Interviewing – A Useful Approach for Families and Counselors Planning for Post-Secondary Transition
Motivational interviewing is a counseling approach which was originally developed to work with substance abusers to assess and facilitate readiness for treatment. Its principles and techniques have been proven effective when dealing with people who are ambivalent about change. Motivational...
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Comprehensive Transition and Post-Secondary Programs – An Emerging Model for Transitioning Individuals with ASDs to Adulthood
For many higher functioning individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, the road to independence and adulthood can be very puzzling. Although the student may possess the intellectual ability and be “otherwise qualified” to attend college or post-secondary vocational training, their...
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Blueprint for an Asperger Syndrome College Support Program
In that Asperger Syndrome (AS) was first included as a formal diagnosis in the DSM-IV in 1994, it seems likely that many of the children born after that date who were diagnosed with AS have received academic and social services throughout their school years. These services have enabled them to...
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The Unique Needs of Students with ASDs Transitioning to College
It has been clearly established that individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders have difficulty with transitions. One major transition for a young person is the transition from secondary educational settings to the college environment. It can be overwhelming for any college freshman, but it is...
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Helpful Hints From the Trenches: What to Expect in College
The first day of college can be a little scary just like any first day in a new school or a new grade. I would like to share with you some of my experiences and offer some helpful tips so you too can survive college and have a successful and positive experience. What was very helpful for me in...