Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

Academic support occurs during one-on-one coaching sessions and in the structured study halls.

Executive functioning topics such as time management and organization support occur in the one-on-one meetings and during the structured study halls.

Residential students are expected to participate in four social activities each semester. Commuter students must participate in two social activities each semester. These social events are a place to practice social skills. The events are developed and directed by the students.

One of the program goals is to develop self-advocacy skills through increased self-knowledge and development of a career plan.

Students may opt to live in a single-room residence hall upon availability. Students also have access to sensory-reduced dining and study hall, as well as an all-hours quiet and sensory room.

Students are able to move in a day early. Students also meet with the team before the start of the fall semester to take a learning assessment tool, which helps start conversations about the type of mentoring the students will need.

Graduate students, typically in the field of social work, run group dinners and study halls.

Students have access to peer mentors.

Students must submit a clinical psychological evaluation, preferably dated within five years of the application, indicating a primary diagnosis of autism, autism spectrum disorder, or pervasive developmental disorder.

The program fees are included in the cost of attendance. If a student receives financial aid, these fees will be considered when financial aid is calculated. The Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation has provided financial assistance to students who are clients.

Students can work on self-advocacy skills during their one-on-one meetings.

At parent orientation, parents learn about the communication process of when to call and when not to call. They also learn about part-time employment, which is a crucial component of the program.