ASAN, the Autism Self Advocacy Network, has just released a great one-of-a-kind resource.
“Navigating College” is written by adults with autism for students with autism. It’s filled with practical tips gleaned from experience.
It can be downloaded for free. Hard copies can be ordered for a nominal cost.
The handbook was developed in collaboration with Autism NOW, with funding from the Administration on Developmental Disabilities. It’s distributed in partnership with the University of New Hampshire Institute on Disability.
What’s different about it?
College transition guides for youth with autism abound these days. Some are more helpful than others. But “Navigating College” is unique.
Each section is written by a different adult on the spectrum. Practical tips used by the various contributors are shared candidly. “Navigating College” tells it like it is, from the perspective of adults with autism who learned to thrive in college.
Topics include understanding the law, requesting accommodations from the college, self accommodations, sensory integration, social issues, independent living, health and wellness, mental health, dealing with professors, and more.
The handbook gives family members and professionals valuable insight into the experience of college students on the spectrum. But, as Ari Ne’eman, President of ASAN, says in his forward, we need to “get it into the hands of the Autistic people in our lives.”
Download or order it
You can download “Navigating College” for free here.
Once there, you may also choose to order a hard copy for $15.
Companion website
ASAN has started a companion website here. The site includes a blog, with hopes it will become a place for interactive support.
Read it and share your thoughts
The insights and practical tips I learned from “Navigating College” will help me support young people on the spectrum more effectively. Read it yourself. You’ll be glad you did. And pass it on to your child or students. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
