Highlights
University Support Programs Overview
This list highlights specialized programs from dozens of high quality specialized programs from universities across the country. They are designed to provide individualized support, academic skill development, and personal growth opportunities for students. These programs focus on fostering independence, enhancing social engagement, and building critical life skills, ensuring students have the resources and guidance needed to thrive in their academic and social environments. This list isn’t meant to be comprehensive but to provide you with examples from a number of colleges, as there are over 100 programs nationally. You can use my scorecard to see what the options are on the campuses you’re looking at.
Adelphi University → Bridges to Adelphi
Individualized Approach
The Bridges program is all about tailoring support to each student’s unique needs. With academic coaching, career guidance, and targeted social skills development, students receive one-on-one mentoring that focuses on their strengths and challenges. This personalized approach equips students with the tools they need to thrive in school, build relationships, and prepare for success in the workplace.
Variety of Coaching
Bridges offers access to a team of specialized coaches, including an academic coach, learning strategist, social coach, and vocational coach. Each coach plays a unique role, providing focused support based on what the student needs most. This variety ensures students get well-rounded guidance to help them achieve their goals.
American University → ASAC
Holistic Support
The CSP offers around-the-clock, personalized services to meet a variety of student needs. From academics and social-emotional development to executive functioning, daily living skills, and employment prep, CSP ensures you’re supported in every area to help you succeed and gain independence.
Strength and Evidence-Based Practices
CSP takes a strength-based approach, focusing on your abilities and potential. Using proven, evidence-based strategies, the program helps you grow while ensuring the support you receive is effective and tailored to your progress.
Proactive Approach
With daily check-ins, regular meetings with instructors, and coordination of mental health services, CSP provides consistent, proactive support. For students who might find it hard to ask for help, the program ensures steady assistance across academics, social situations, and life skills, so you’re never left feeling stuck.
Bellevue College → Neurodiversity Navigators
Campus and Faculty Training
The program focuses on transforming the college environment by providing education and training for faculty and staff. This helps improve communication and understanding of neurodivergent students' needs, creating a more inclusive and supportive campus.
Peer Mentor
Students meet weekly with trained peer mentors, many of whom are neurodivergent themselves. This creates a supportive environment where students can relate to one another, share experiences, and receive guidance from peers who understand their unique challenges.
Brandeis University
SAS Fellows
The SAS Fellows program at Brandeis is dedicated to helping students with disabilities develop essential skills and self-advocacy. Through workshops, students gain valuable tips on navigating accommodations, building independence, and managing their time effectively, setting them up for success both in and out of the classroom.
Divergent
Divergent is a student-led affinity group created specifically for neurodiverse students at Brandeis. It offers a supportive space to meet new people, share experiences and stories, and promote a deeper understanding of neurodiversity within the Brandeis community. It’s all about connection, empowerment, and celebrating differences.
Clemson University → The Spectrum Program
Skill Development Workshops
The program offers workshops designed to help students build essential life and learning skills, ensuring they are well-equipped for success both during and after college. These workshops focus on practical skills that contribute to personal and academic growth.
Mentorship/Other Supports
Students have access to mentors who guide them through the college experience, offering support in navigating both academic and social challenges. The program also emphasizes individualized support, helping students develop key skills like organization and time management to enhance their overall success.
College of Charleston → Charleston LIFE
Independent Living and Career Readiness
Students live in on-campus housing, where they develop independence and life skills. Additionally, the program provides internships and career development opportunities, preparing them for employment after graduation.
Social Development
The program promotes engagement in campus life through clubs, activities, and peer mentoring, helping students build meaningful relationships and feel part of the community.
Drexel University → CAN
Incremental Independence
The CAN program focuses on gradually reducing support as students progress, helping them build independence in essential areas like task management and problem-solving. This approach prepares students for life after graduation, ensuring they are ready to handle challenges on their own.
Weekly Support
Students receive consistent support through weekly meetings with peer mentors, goal-setting check-ins, and workshops on key topics like executive functioning, time management, and self-advocacy. These regular sessions help students stay on track and continue developing the skills they need to succeed.
East Carolina → University STEPP
Transition Support
The program offers a transition curriculum designed to help students successfully navigate the shift from high school to college, and eventually to their careers. It includes the CLASS Learning Strategy, which guides students through key phases: understanding course requirements, analyzing their learning profile, strategizing academic routines, and reflecting on their progress.
Small Community
With only 10 students admitted each year, the program fosters a close-knit community where students receive more individualized and comprehensive support. This smaller group size allows for personalized attention, creating a supportive environment for each student’s growth and success.
Eastern Illinois → University - STEP
Weekly Support
Each participant in the program receives weekly meetings to track assignments, set goals, and stay on top of their tasks. In addition, there are structured study sessions and group discussions focused on strategies to improve task management and organization.
Social Integration
The program hosts monthly social events, offering structured opportunities for students to practice social interactions, build relationships, and strengthen their sense of community.
Eastern Michigan University →CSP
Holistic Support
The CSP offers around-the-clock, personalized services to meet a variety of student needs. From academics and social-emotional development to executive functioning, daily living skills, and employment prep, CSP ensures you’re supported in every area to help you succeed and gain independence.
Strength and Evidence-Based Practices
CSP takes a strength-based approach, focusing on your abilities and potential. Using proven, evidence-based strategies, the program helps you grow while ensuring the support you receive is effective and tailored to your progress.
Proactive Approach
With daily check-ins, regular meetings with instructors, and coordination of mental health services, CSP provides consistent, proactive support. For students who might find it hard to ask for help, the program ensures steady assistance across academics, social situations, and life skills, so you’re never left feeling stuck.
Elon University
Emory University → Emory Oaks
Focus on Awareness
In addition to offering individualized support, Emory Oaks plays an active role in promoting a broader understanding of neurodiversity. Faculty and staff are specifically trained to support neurodiverse students, ensuring an inclusive environment. The program also contributes to educational efforts, such as co-teaching a course on neurodiversity, to foster awareness and acceptance across the Emory community.
Collaboration with Other University Departments
Emory Oaks works closely with other campus services, including accessibility services, counseling and psychological services, and career and professional development. This strong collaboration ensures that neurodiverse students feel supported in every aspect of campus life, from academics to mental health and career planning.
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Specialized Coaching and Skill Development
COMPASS emphasizes skill-building in areas like social communication, time management, and self-advocacy.
Collaborative Environment
The program fosters a strong partnership between students, faculty, and mental health professionals. The program also involves guidance counselors to maximize support.
Structure/Therapies
The program provides students with structured weekly services, including two hours of individualized academic support, one hour of individual therapy, and one hour of group therapy.
George Mason University
Individualized Support
With the help of a Peer Mentor and Learning Strategist, MASI provides one-on-one support to help you grow both academically and socially. You’ll get guidance on time management, self-advocacy, and how to make the most of the resources available on campus.
Skill Building Through Cohort-Based Courses
MASI’s UNIV courses are designed to help you build essential skills throughout your college journey. Starting with learning about campus resources, moving on to self-identity and leveraging your strengths, and finally preparing for your career, these courses give you a solid foundation for success and personal growth.
Community Engagement and Social Opportunities
MASI organizes regular social events, from small group activities to larger gatherings, so you can feel connected and part of the community. By involving students in planning these events, MASI makes sure they’re both meaningful and fun, giving you a real sense of belonging.
George Washington University
Academic Support
The Academic Commons provides personalized services like peer tutoring, study skills workshops, and note-taking assistance to help neurodiverse students manage coursework and develop effective study strategies, ensuring academic success.
Mental and Emotional Support Services
Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) offers inclusive mental health care, working closely with students to develop coping strategies, manage stress, and promote overall personal well-being, providing a strong support system for mental and emotional health.
Hofstra University → PALS
Smooth Transition Process
PALS helps students transition to college with dedicated courses focused on self-advocacy, navigating the admissions process, and improving study habits. These courses prepare students to tackle the academic and social challenges of higher education with confidence.
Individual Support
Each student receives personalized academic coaching tailored to their unique needs. This includes developing effective learning strategies, time management, and study skills, ensuring they have the tools to successfully manage their coursework and thrive in college.
Ithaca College
James Madison University
Redesigning Learning Spaces
JMU is reimagining both physical and social spaces to ensure they are inclusive and adaptable to the needs of neurodiverse students. These flexible learning environments support different ways of processing information and engaging with the world, fostering a more equitable and welcoming educational experience.
Peer Accountability
The program features a “body doubling” initiative, where students work alongside peers in a collaborative environment designed to boost focus and productivity. This supportive setup encourages accountability while creating a space for students to stay on task and feel motivated.
Landmark College
Innovative Teaching Approaches
Landmark College leads in neurodiversity education by using integrated teaching methods that prioritize individualized learning strategies. These approaches accommodate diverse learning needs, empowering students to achieve academic success.
Specialized Transition Programs
Programs like Transition-at-College and the Bridge Experience help students develop critical skills for a successful academic journey. These programs focus on essential areas such as self-advocacy, time management, and executive functioning, ensuring students are prepared for college life.
Overall Support
Landmark provides comprehensive support, including academic advising, mental health counseling, and coaching. The Center for Neurodiversity enhances this environment by fostering understanding and inclusion across the campus community, creating a supportive space for all students.
Lehigh University
Peer Mentors
The Peer Mentor Program connects neurodiverse students with upperclassmen who also have disabilities, offering a valuable support system. These mentors provide guidance on both academic and social challenges, helping students navigate the complexities of university life. Mentors share their own experiences and strategies for managing coursework, time management, and social interactions, offering practical advice tailored to each student’s needs. In addition to academic support, mentors help students build confidence in social settings, offering tips on communication, joining campus activities, and fostering friendships
Marshall University → HELP
One-on-One Instruction
The program provides personalized support through one-on-one sessions that focus on key skills like study techniques, time management, and organization. These sessions are led by qualified learning specialists and supported by graduate assistant tutors, ensuring tailored academic guidance for each student.
Summer Preparation
The Summer Prep initiative helps incoming students get a head start by introducing them to the university environment and their academic responsibilities. This program ensures a smooth transition into college life, laying a solid foundation for success both academically and socially.
Marist College
Academic Skill Development
Get targeted support in time management, organization, reading, and writing through regular, personalized sessions with a learning specialist. Plus, access to a professional writing tutor provides expert guidance to help you grow academically and build confidence in your skills.
Flexible Learning Opportunities
The program offers a mix of in-person and online study halls along with engaging online modules that focus on essential academic skills like note-taking, reading, and writing. This flexible approach ensures you can get the support you need in a way that fits your schedule and learning style.
Muhlenberg College → ODS
Student Portal
ODS offers a student portal where students can apply for accommodations, submit important documents, and connect with resources, streamlining the process of accessing necessary support.
Individualized Plan
ODS works closely with students to create personalized plans that meet their unique needs, making sure they have equal access to classes, activities, and everything the campus has to offer.
New York University → CSA
Peer-Led Activities
The program offers a variety of social events and collaborative learning opportunities that encourage students to build friendships and engage in group discussions and projects. These activities create a supportive space where students can share strategies, exchange insights, and foster a sense of community, promoting mutual understanding and connection.
Northeastern → Neurodiversity initiative
Student Portal
ODS offers a student portal where students can apply for accommodations, submit important documents, and connect with resources, streamlining the process of accessing necessary support.
Individualized Plan
ODS works closely with students to create personalized plans that meet their unique needs, making sure they have equal access to classes, activities, and everything the campus has to offer.
Ohio State → ACE
Career Development Opportunities
The ACE program helps students secure internships with employers who value neurodivergent talents and are committed to creating adapted workplace environments that meet their unique needs. This ensures students gain real-world experience in a supportive setting.
Holistic Approach
The ACE program takes a comprehensive support approach, assisting students with mental health, academics, campus navigation, and advocacy. In addition to these services, the program offers therapy sessions, social events, and study groups, providing a well-rounded experience that supports students' overall well-being and success.
Pace University → OASIS
Frequency of Academic Coaching
Students meet with an Academic Coach for one hour every day, receiving personalized support to stay on top of assignments and develop effective study habits.
Social Integration
Pace offers dedicated coordinators who help students get involved in campus life through clubs, dorm activities, and trips. These opportunities ensure students have a well-rounded college experience and build meaningful connections.
Career Readiness
The program partners with Career Services to prepare students for the workforce. They provide workshops, internship opportunities, and job placements, giving students the tools they need to succeed professionally.
Rutgers University → CSP
Monthly Coordinator/Weekly Check-Ins
Each semester, students meet with their CSP Coordinator to set personalized goals and receive ongoing support. Weekly check-ins help track progress and provide continuous guidance, ensuring each student gets the tailored support they need to succeed.
Peer Mentorship
CSP pairs students with trained undergraduate and graduate peer mentors who provide both social and academic support. Mentors assist with organizational and executive functioning skills, while also helping students feel more connected and included at Rutgers, creating a strong sense of community.
Syracuse University → InclusiveU and Ontrack
Individualized Support
InclusiveU creates personalized academic pathways tailored to each student’s interests and goals. The program works closely with faculty, helps students develop self-advocacy skills, and provides a supportive peer mentor program to guide students along the way.
Campus Inclusion
InclusiveU is all about making sure students feel like a part of the campus community. Through various events and activities, the program encourages advocacy and social engagement. Students take classes alongside their peers, join clubs, and participate fully in campus life, fostering a sense of belonging at UMD.
Program Size
With over 100 students, InclusiveU is one of the largest programs of its kind in the country, offering extensive resources and opportunities to support its members.
Texas Tech University → CASE
Life Skills Development
The CASE program goes beyond academics to focus on essential life skills that are often overlooked, including hygiene, social norms, friendships, and stress management. Students receive personalized coaching to help them navigate college life with greater independence.
Career Preparation
CASE prioritizes career readiness by connecting students with internships, assisting with resume writing, and building interview skills. This hands-on approach helps students explore career options and smoothly transition into the workforce.
Learning Specialists
Each student is paired with a Learning Specialist who helps them identify their strengths, set goals, and build critical skills like time management, organization, and self-advocacy. Specialists provide weekly one-on-one meetings and monthly team reviews to track progress and address any challenges, ensuring students stay on the path to success.
Towson University → CAPS
Diverse Program Activities
The program offers a variety of activities that cater to different interests, including recreational activities, art, fitness, self-management, and healthy relationships. Each program focuses on skill-building, social interaction, and personal development, all tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of participants.
Connection to Adults on the Spectrum
The center creates opportunities for adults with autism and Towson University students to engage in joint programs. This fosters mutual learning and interaction, promoting a sense of community and shared experiences between students and adults on the spectrum..
Tulane University
Peer Mentor Pairing
Through the Student Ambassador Peer Mentor Program, freshmen are paired with upperclassmen who have successfully navigated college life with accommodations. This pairing provides valuable guidance and support, helping students adjust to campus life with confidence.
Accessibility Accommodations
The Goldman Center ensures accessibility across all areas of campus life, including academic settings, housing, and dining, making sure students have the resources they need to fully participate in college life.
Academic Support
The center offers one-on-one learning specialist consultations to help students develop essential academic skills, including time management, note-taking, studying, and test preparation, providing personalized support to help students succeed.
University of Arizona → SALT
One-to-One Support
The SALT program provides personalized assistance through a support specialist and academic tutoring tailored to each student’s needs. Whether it’s help with executive functioning, building independence, or managing challenges, this individualized support is designed to help students thrive.
Mental Health Resources
Students enrolled in the SALT program have access to one-on-one counseling and wellness support to address stress management, coping skills, and more. These resources are available both in-person and online, offering flexibility and ensuring students can prioritize their mental health in a way that works best for them.
University of California Los Angeles → All Brains
Student-Led Socials and Mentoring
All Brains provides a space for neurodiverse students to connect through weekly socials and a peer mentoring program. These initiatives help students build meaningful relationships with others who understand and share their experiences.
Workshops and Training
The program offers workshops for students, faculty, and staff, aimed at creating neurodiverse-friendly environments across campus. This training empowers students to navigate both academic and social spaces with greater confidence, fostering a culture of inclusivity and support.
University of Delaware → Spectrum Scholars
Peer Mentors
The Spectrum Scholars program provides neurodiverse students with the opportunity to connect with trained peer mentors who offer guidance and support in both academic and social settings. These mentors serve as role models, helping students navigate the challenges of college life, from managing coursework to participating in campus activities.
One On one Coaching
This coaching focuses on developing essential academic skills, such as time management, study strategies, and organizational techniques, ensuring that students can effectively manage their coursework and excel in their studies. Beyond academics, coaching also addresses personal growth, helping students build self-confidence, improve communication skills, and navigate social situations. Coaches work closely with students to identify their strengths and areas for improvement, creating a personalized plan that supports their success both in and outside of the classroom.
University of Denver → LEP
Personalized Academic Support
LEP offers one-on-one weekly meetings with trained academic counselors who assist students in developing effective study habits, time management skills, and strategies tailored to their unique learning needs.
Executive Function Coaching
Specialists provide targeted support to enhance skills such as organization, planning, and goal-setting, which are crucial for academic success.
Social Skills Development:
Through various events and activities, LEP gives students a sense of community and helps students build meaningful relationships, enhancing their overall college experience
University of Houston → PSMSA
Personalized Peer Mentor Program
Through the PSMSA program, students are matched with a peer tutor by the director, ensuring tailored support. They meet for at least three hours a week, focusing on academic guidance and skill-building.
Social Events
The program hosts monthly gatherings where peer mentors and students come together, fostering a sense of community and connection. At the end of each semester, participants enjoy a special group outing in the local area, celebrating their progress and building friendships.
University of Maryland → SIGNA/Peers & Effect Program
Integration into Campus Life
SIGNA offers a mix of individual and group sessions to help you build essential skills like communication, executive functioning, and self-advocacy. Highlights include:
Weekly meetings with communication coaches to strengthen your skills.
Regular peer mentor check-ins for guidance and support.
Fun social outings to connect with others.
Opportunities to join campus activities and clubs, making it easy to get involved and feel part of the community.
Mentors
The Peers/Effect program pairs neurodiverse students with peer mentors who provide support in navigating campus life, staying organized, and practicing self-advocacy. These mentors are more than just guides—they’re here to help you build confidence and create meaningful relationships on campus.
University of Rochester
Accommodations
The office is dedicated to ensuring equal access to academic content and campus activities by providing accommodations like extended test time, note-taking support, and housing adjustments. These resources help create an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Access Coordinators
Students work closely with access coordinators to identify their specific needs and develop self-advocacy skills. Coordinators are a reliable point of contact, ensuring students always have someone to turn to for guidance and support.
Vanderbilt University → Frist Center/TRIAD
Focus on Workforce Readiness and Innovation
The center is dedicated to bridging the gap between neurodiverse individuals' strengths and the needs of the workplace. By developing tools, technologies, and methods, the center enhances employment opportunities and helps individuals thrive in their careers.
Collaborative Effort Across Fields
Bringing together expertise from engineering, business, and neuroscience, the center creates innovative solutions to harness the unique abilities of individuals with autism. This collaboration drives advancements in technology and neurodiverse talent management, influencing industries from AI to healthcare.
Strength-Based Approach
Rather than focusing on deficits, the program emphasizes natural talents and strengths. It highlights abilities like attention to detail, pattern recognition, and problem-solving skills, which are often found in individuals on the autism spectrum, helping them excel in the workplace.
Vassar → AEO
Accommodation Coordination
AEO effectively manages accommodations across various aspects of student life, including academic courses, residential living, meal plans, extracurricular activities, and campus employment
Creates a Welcoming Campus
The office is dedicated to fostering a supportive and accessible learning, living, and working environment for students with disabilities. By striving to create an inclusive campus culture, AEO helps all students feel valued and empowered to succeed.
Wesleyan University
Westminster College → LDP
Career Development
The LDP collaborates with the Center for Career Development to help students prepare for the professional world. Support includes resume building, interview practice, internship opportunities, and job search assistance, equipping students with the tools they need for career success.
Personalized Mentorship
Students receive specialized services like tutoring, coursework accommodations, and study skills assistance through a dedicated academic advisor. This tailored mentorship ensures students have the guidance and resources they need to excel academically and personally.
William and Mary → SAS
Building a Support System in College as a Neurodiverse Student: Key Tips for Success
Starting college as a neurodiverse student can be challenging, but building a strong support system is key to success. By connecting with campus resources, professors, peers, and using technology, you can create a network that helps you thrive academically and personally.
Breaking the Stigma: Embracing Neurodiversity in College for a Truly Inclusive Education
Neurodiverse students have long been misunderstood in education, often pressured to conform instead of being celebrated for their unique strengths. College should be a place where everyone has the chance to succeed, regardless of how their brain works. Embracing neurodiversity fosters creativity, problem-solving, and fresh perspectives. By focusing on inclusion, providing accommodations, and promoting awareness, colleges can create an environment where all students thrive and redefine success on their own terms.