Teenagers with high-functioning autism such as Asperger Syndrome, are usually able to do the academic work required in college. However, most get stuck on other issues involved in going away to college, such as self-care and daily living, money management, social interaction, adjusting to a new environment, and emotional regulation. They often have a naivety about other peoples' motives and an inability to form friendships with new acquaintances, leaving them vulnerable to bullying and sexual abuse.
ACCLAIM, a summer program at Robert Morris University, was designed to help autistic students learn to adjust to being away from home. For the first time this year, ACCLAIM includes a three-week program for students who want to go away to college.
ACCLAIM stands for Autism College and Community Life Acclimation and Intervention Model. The first program was held at the University of Pittsburgh and designed by the Watson Institute, which focuses on special needs children. Participants are between 16 to 19 years old, and go over topics such as applying to college, handling stress and peers in a new social setting, and so forth.
Dr. Lori Zychowski, a designer of the program, said that former participants have provided many anecdotes about how ACLAIM helped them adjust to college environments.
Posted By: 4ADHD.com
