Frequently Asked Questions

About ASD Ascend

What is the mission of ASD Ascend?

Our mission is to empower people with autism spectrum disorder by helping them identify the college or university programs that will maximize their potential for success in college and a career.

Who are the founders of ASD Ascend?

Dr. Ann Hartlage and Larry Feltes are the founders of ASD Ascend. Click here for their story in the About Us section.

About the database

How did you obtain information for this database?

Two years ago, in collaboration with the College Autism Network, we began to list all colleges and universities in the United States that had school programs for autistic students. We later expanded this aim to provide detailed information on these programs and thus, ASD Ascend was born.

We wanted to provide a searchable database of these schools as well as schools with services beneficial for students with autism that did not have complete programs. To do so, we searched for details of the programs and services offered. We hired research assistants to help us review the most recent Carnegie list of all 4,567 colleges and universities in the United States. We looked at the information supplied online, and we called programs to ask additional questions.

As we encountered more schools, we realized there was a need to organize and streamline the information. Some schools offered a lot of services while other schools offered one or two services. We thought that we could best help you by creating categories that would define the level of service offered for each school.

The results of our efforts are the Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze achievement levels. Instead of having to look at every school in the database, you can narrow down the school programs for autistic students according to your needs. At this stage, we only include colleges and universities with programs and services that are run by the campuses’ own staff.

When was the information last updated on this website?

The information was last updated on July 15, 2020. Schools will be updated again by December 31, 2021.

I do not understand some of the terminology on this database?

Click here to see our glossary in which terms are defined.

How are the schools listed in the database?

The schools are listed in alphabetical order. If you choose to purchase a membership, you can filter the information by specific attributes. The information appears in alphabetical order after the filters are applied.

I cannot search anything on this database?

You will be able to search school programs for autistic students according to specific attributes with a paid membership. Click here to join.

Are there any "free" features on this database?

Yes. All schools with either a dedicated program for students with autism or services designed to benefit students with autism are listed.

Free information also includes the institutions’ addresses and links to their websites. In addition, we list whether the institutions are public or private and are two-year or four-year degree programs. We also provide the undergraduate student populations and the teacher-to-student ratios. If you click on the institution, you will see additional locked information that you can gain access to with a paid membership.

In honor of Autism Awareness Day, we have unlocked Marshall University. Website visitors may access all of the features of The College Program.

What information do I receive with a paid membership?

You will receive access for one year to the ASD Ascend database, which contains comprehensive information on all U.S. school programs for autistic students. Paid membership unlocks the ability to search the database based on specific features you want in a school and program. Click here to see the information for Marshall University we have made all the features accessible to all visitors in honor of Autism Awareness Day.

What are the differences between Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze achievement badges?

Platinum achievement programs are exclusive to students with autism. These programs have a social skills component and at least one additional support feature designed for students with autism. Platinum achievement programs have a designated program coordinator or similar administrator.

Gold achievement programs are not exclusive to students with autism and include students with other disabilities. These programs have a social skills component and at least one additional support feature that would benefit students with autism. Gold achievement programs have a designated program coordinator or similar administrator.

Silver achievement programs are exclusive to students with autism. These programs fall into three categories: programs that have only a social skills component; programs that have two or more support components but no social skills assistance; and programs that have several components, including social skills assistance, but no program coordinator.

Bronze achievement programs are not exclusive to students with autism and include students with other disabilities. These programs have at least one additional support feature that would benefit students with autism but do not have social skills assistance.

I am having trouble logging in or other technical problems.

We would love to help. Please email support@asdascend.com with your difficulty.

Do you have any membership plans larger than the Institution plan?

Yes, please contact us for a custom membership plan.

Other Questions

I am interested in booking Dr. Ann Hartlage for a speaking event.

Thank you for your inquiry. Please email guestspeaker@asdascend.com.

I would like information about advertising on the ASD Ascend website.

Thank you for your inquiry. Please email marketing@asdascend.com with your request.

I would like to donate to ASD Ascend.

Thank you for supporting our mission. All donations support our scholarship program. Donations are not tax deductible. Please click here.

I am a director of an autism program and I would like update my school's information.

We would love to update your school. Please email info@asdascend.com.

Do you have any job openings?

Please check out our jobs page. You may also send your resume to careers@asdascend.com.

Become<br>A Member

Become
A Member

Finding the support you need has never been easier.