College Autism Spectrum
COLLEGE AUTISM SPECTRUM
College Autism Spectrum (CAS) is an independent organization of professionals whose purpose is to assist students with autism spectrum disorders, and their families. We specialize in COLLEGE COUNSELING (helping students find the right college) and WORK READINESS (skill building for interviews, jobs and work skills).
We help students with ASD explore and navigate college options before, during and through the college process. Additionally, we provide campuses and professionals with the tools and training to work effectively with students on the spectrum and to understand the challenges as well as the talents they bring.
Our team of Lisa King, M.Ed., Jane Thierfeld Brown, Ed.D and Dr. Lorraine Wolf, Ph.D. has over 75 years of combined experience in disability service provision in a variety of college environments, including 4 year, public, private and professional institutions of higher education as well as 2 year community college and technical schools.
Our Services:
COLLEGE COUNSELING
[1 session – $250, 3 sessions – $650]
College Autism Spectrum logoStudents with ASD often have unique needs for support in areas that colleges are not mandated to provide. In depth understanding of a student’s strengths and challenges and an institution’s ability to support them is essential in facilitating a successful experience. Our team of Jane Thierfeld Brown, Ed.D, Lisa King, M.Ed., Dr. Lorraine Wolf, Ph.D. and Laurie Ackles, MSW, has over 90 years of combined experience in disability service provision in a variety of college environments, including 4 year, public, private and professional institutions of higher education as well as 2 year community college and technical schools.
As long-time members of our respective state and national professional organizations, we have links to colleges and programs throughout the country. We will help you locate an appropriate college setting for your son or daughter with ASD by:
Supporting students and families through the application and admission process
Assessing services and accommodations needed by the student and determining college’s abilities to provide needed services
Determine appropriate colleges and/or programs
Reviewing student’s past and current documentation
Critique of college essay
CAREER COUNSELING
[1 session – $250, 3 sessions – $650]
Work with a team member includes:
Session 1:
Understanding of student’s educational journey, skills/strengths, challenges/concerns. Examination of previous work/volunteer experiences. Dialog around job search activities to date, barriers faced, job search resources utilized. Discussion of employment goals, disclosure decisions. Potential resources, staying motivated, creating an action plan.
Session 2:
Marketing yourself including strengthening your resume, creating on online presence Job search correspondence such as cover letter, follow-up. Dialog around personal presentation. Basic interviewing including selling yourself. Developing a job search plan including networking, job search activities, strategies for phone interviews. Organizing your job search.
Session 3:
Behavioral based interviewing, developing your stories related to teamwork, motivation, leadership, interpersonal skills, communication.
Homework between sessions: resume work, cover letter/follow-up/outreach, identifying and applying to opportunities, practice interview questions
STUDENT SUPPORT
Students with autism spectrum disorders often have no trouble meeting the entrance criteria to the college of their choice, yet once there, have extreme difficulty navigating the academic and social complexities inherent in the college experience. Many lack the self- management skills needed to independently organize and integrate all aspects of college life. Stress of transition can inhibit a student’s ability to know who and when to ask for help. The transition to work can present unique challenges as well. Students and graduates with autism spectrum disorders often need additional support in preparing for employment and in navigating the job search process.
CAS consultants can provide a link between the individual system through coaching. These include:
Transitioning from home to campus life and from college to work
Introducing appropriate college and career resources
Managing time and scheduling skills
Teaching self-advocacy and disclosure
Teaching stress management
Developing scripts and role-playing
Setting goals: academic, co-curricular and career related
Website features webinars, directories of college programs
41 Crossroads Plaza
#221
West Hartford, CT 06117