autism goes to college
“You don’t have to go into college knowing exactly what you want to do for the rest of your life. It’s pretty flexible. So, just go in with an idea that you want to better yourself, and learn.”
—Jasmine
autism goes to college
“You don’t have to go into college knowing exactly what you want to do for the rest of your life. It’s pretty flexible. So, just go in with an idea that you want to better yourself, and learn.”
—Jasmine
see the film
choosing a college
part one:
meet jasmine
Meet Jasmine, in her second year at a community college, hoping to make the leap to a four-year university
WATCH 
LISTEN 
college living
READ
how to come out of your shell and make friends in college
by Guillermo
The road to making friends is not easy. Trust me, I know. Every person back in high school told me again and again that college is the last step. The final boss. Bowser’s last gambit before you save Peach and get her cake. But that’s not how real life works…
for professors
neuroprep self-paced course
This innovative online course is designed to help educators support neurodivergent students in college classrooms. The program provides a comprehensive training that equips faculty with a deep understanding of the unique needs and strengths of neurodivergent learners, as well as practical strategies for creating an inclusive learning environment that promotes student success.
the podcast series
Episode 53
ABIGAIL HEARTS KENT STATE — Choosing a non-degree autism support program close to home
LISTEN 
Abigail is in her second semester at Kent State University, and she’s thriving.
She chose Kent State’s non-degree program for students with autism after comparing several autism support programs and deciding this campus offered the right mix of courses, dorm life, activities, and being close enough to home for weekend support.
In this episode, Abigail shares what took adjusting during her first semester, what’s working now (classes, routines, and campus life), and how she’s thinking about the two-year vs. four-year path. A warm, practical student story about transitioning to college on the spectrum and building a setup that fits.
Episode 52
the common app makes it easy, but should you apply to 15 colleges?
LISTEN
Myles has already been accepted to 10 colleges—and as an autistic student, having real options feels both exciting and overwhelming.
A drummer who plans to major in Music or Art History, Myles cast a wide net across the country, looking for schools with strong programs in his interests and meaningful supports for students on the autism spectrum.
His list includes:
Trinity University (San Antonio, TX)
University of Puget Sound (Tacoma, WA)
Loyola University Chicago (Chicago, IL)
Marquette University (Milwaukee, WI)
Whitman College (Walla Walla, WA)
Wheaton College (Massachusetts)
Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA)
…and more.
But now comes the hard part: choosing. Myles lives in Los Angeles and has realized he’s not thrilled about the idea of a long, cold winter—plus there are a dozen other factors that matter when you’re picking a school that truly fits.
In this episode of Autism Goes to College, Myles breaks down:
✅ How he built his college list (and what he prioritized)
✅ What “support” actually means when you’re comparing schools
✅ How he’ll make the final decision once all offers are in
✅ What he’d do differently if he could start over
If you’re an autistic student (or a parent) navigating college admissions, this conversation is a practical look at what it’s really like to weigh multiple acceptances and find the right next step.
Listen now and tell us in the comments: What matters most to you when choosing a college—program strength, location, supports, campus vibe, or something else?
“I suggest go for it. Push forward. I took 3–5 classes per semester, just to get a full understanding of all the various subjects I would learn, one semester at a time…”
—Jonathan
The Academy of Digigtal Arts & Sciences has awarded us with a gold medal for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Held as the (internet’s highest honor” by The New York Times, the Webby Awards is the leading international awards organization honoring excellence on the internet. The Anthem Awards is a division of the Webbys for cause-focused content.
the blog
READ
READ
READ
5 WAYS I USED MY GAP YEAR TO MY ADVANTAGE
By Dominic Zullo
My gap year and preparation for college were similar to a band preparing for a show.
READ
READ
READ
Why “college living experience” is the right first step for me
Why “college living experience” is the right first step for me
Why “college living experience” is the right first step for me
by Eva Fetherman
by Eva Fetherman
by Eva Fetherman
I know that if I want to become a real actress I will need to have independence from my parents. Right now I live in Los Angeles with my family and I know that being away from home will be hard at first.
I know that if I want to become a real actress I will need to have independence from my parents. Right now I live in Los Angeles with my family and I know that being away from home will be hard at first.
I know that if I want to become a real actress I will need to have independence from my parents. Right now I live in Los Angeles with my family and I know that being away from home will be hard at first.
READ
READ
READ
FROM FRIGHTENED FRESHMAN TO AWARD-WINNING FILMMAKER—How getting help opened up my world
FROM FRIGHTENED FRESHMAN TO AWARD-WINNING FILMMAKER—How getting help opened up my world
FROM FRIGHTENED FRESHMAN TO AWARD-WINNING FILMMAKER—How getting help opened up my world
by Joshua Pitney
by Joshua Pitney
by Joshua Pitney
I was surprised when my parents finally told me I was autistic since I had little understanding of what autism was…
I was surprised when my parents finally told me I was autistic since I had little understanding of what autism was…
I was surprised when my parents finally told me I was autistic since I had little understanding of what autism was…
getting help
meet maria from disabled student services
As Associate Director of the UC Riverside Disabled Student Services office, Maria describes how they get ‘down in the trenches’ with disabled students, helping them with all facets of college life.
interviews
WATCH
WATCH
WATCH
PROFESSOR SPOTLIGHT SERIES:
PROFESSOR SPOTLIGHT SERIES:
PROFESSOR SPOTLIGHT SERIES:
aubry Mintz, Cal State Long Beach
aubry Mintz, Cal State Long Beach
aubry Mintz, Cal State Long Beach
Professor of Animation and Department Chair Aubry Mintz talks about how colleges could better prepare faculty for supporting students on the spectrum
Professor of Animation and Department Chair Aubry Mintz talks about how colleges could better prepare faculty for supporting students on the spectrum
Professor of Animation and Department Chair Aubry Mintz talks about how colleges could better prepare faculty for supporting students on the spectrum
student stories
WATCH
OFF THEY GO!
All five students look to their futures, as college grads, ready to make their mark.
Blake and Ishaan are loving life on campus, taking classes and working at internship jobs.
Both are part of the UCDavis Redwood SEED Scholar program, which supports California students (ages 18-23) on the spectrum (and with other learning differences) who want a full college experience. For Blake, now a third-year student, that includes the program’s foundational classes in math and language arts, plus a choice of classes from all that’s offered across UCDavis. One of his faves so far: a quarter spent learning about the geology of national parks. Plus, Blake has two very different internships- take a listen to hear more. Ishaan also feels the program is a perfect match for him. Now in his second year, Ishaan enjoyed dorm life from the start. He is super involved with his internship supporting the volleyball teams. Academically, Ishaan has chosen a mix of classes and appreciates the peer mentors and tutors. These guys can’t say enough great things about the whole experience- take a listen to hear more!
see the film
the podcast series
Episode 50
Dean’s List x 2, While social life is “A work in progress”
LISTEN
Lindsey W. is killing it in her classes. She’s now a junior at Appalachian State in Boone, NC, and has a few strategies helping her tackle the more intense coursework in her major, communication sciences. Neuroanatomy and physiology aren’t easy, but she’s doing it. She’s made friends in her classes and joined study groups, and continues to go to her professors’ office hours. She’s also part of Christian intervarsity bible studies and has become active in the neurodiversity club, now that the group is now growing and taking on some projects she cares about. Take a listen to how Lindsey continues to thrive, and she starts to think about what comes after graduation.
the blog
READ
READ
READ
FROM FRIGHTENED FRESHMAN TO AWARD-WINNING FILMMAKER—How getting help opened up my world
FROM FRIGHTENED FRESHMAN TO AWARD-WINNING FILMMAKER—How getting help opened up my world
FROM FRIGHTENED FRESHMAN TO AWARD-WINNING FILMMAKER—How getting help opened up my world
by Joshua Pitney
by Joshua Pitney
by Joshua Pitney
I was surprised when my parents finally told me I was autistic since I had little understanding of what autism was…
I was surprised when my parents finally told me I was autistic since I had little understanding of what autism was…
I was surprised when my parents finally told me I was autistic since I had little understanding of what autism was…
READ
READ
READ
Why “college living experience” is the right first step for me
Why “college living experience” is the right first step for me
Why “college living experience” is the right first step for me
by Eva Fetherman
by Eva Fetherman
by Eva Fetherman
I know that if I want to become a real actress I will need to have independence from my parents. Right now I live in Los Angeles with my family and I know that being away from home will be hard at first.
I know that if I want to become a real actress I will need to have independence from my parents. Right now I live in Los Angeles with my family and I know that being away from home will be hard at first.
I know that if I want to become a real actress I will need to have independence from my parents. Right now I live in Los Angeles with my family and I know that being away from home will be hard at first.
READ
READ
READ
diagnosis disclosure:
courage and consequences
diagnosis disclosure:
courage and consequences
diagnosis disclosure:
courage and consequences
by Dr. Jan Blacher, Ph.D.
by Dr. Jan Blacher, Ph.D.
by Dr. Jan Blacher, Ph.D.
Many students on the spectrum struggle with the disclosure question, espeially when completing college applications. Here’s my take:
Many students on the spectrum struggle with the disclosure question, espeially when completing college applications. Here’s my take:
Many students on the spectrum struggle with the disclosure question, espeially when completing college applications. Here’s my take:
choosing a college
WATCH
WATCH
WATCH
jasmine's STORY
jasmine's STORY
jasmine's STORY
PART one:
PART one:
PART one:
meet jasmine
meet jasmine
meet jasmine
Meet Jasmine, in her second year at a community college, hoping to make the leap to a four year university.
Meet Jasmine, in her second year at a community college, hoping to make the leap to a four year university.
Meet Jasmine, in her second year at a community college, hoping to make the leap to a four year university.
college living
READ
READ
READ
how to come out of your shell and make friends in college
how to come out of your shell and make friends in college
how to come out of your shell and make friends in college
by Guillermo
by Guillermo
by Guillermo
The road to making friends is not easy. Trust me, I know. Every person back in high school told me again and again that college is the last step. The final boss. Bowser's last gambit before you save Peach and get her cake. But that's not how real life works…
The road to making friends is not easy. Trust me, I know. Every person back in high school told me again and again that college is the last step. The final boss. Bowser's last gambit before you save Peach and get her cake. But that's not how real life works…
The road to making friends is not easy. Trust me, I know. Every person back in high school told me again and again that college is the last step. The final boss. Bowser's last gambit before you save Peach and get her cake. But that's not how real life works…
for professors
WATCH
WATCH
LEARN
Neuroprep self-paced course
Neuroprep self-paced course
Neuroprep self-paced course
This innovative online course is designed to help educators support neurodivergent students in college classrooms. The program provides a comprehensive training that equips faculty with a deep understanding of the unique needs and strengths of neurodivergent learners, as well as practical strategies for creating an inclusive learning environment that promotes student success.
This innovative online course is designed to help educators support neurodivergent students in college classrooms. The program provides a comprehensive training that equips faculty with a deep understanding of the unique needs and strengths of neurodivergent learners, as well as practical strategies for creating an inclusive learning environment that promotes student success.
This innovative online course is designed to help educators support neurodivergent students in college classrooms. The program provides a comprehensive training that equips faculty with a deep understanding of the unique needs and strengths of neurodivergent learners, as well as practical strategies for creating an inclusive learning environment that promotes student success.
student stories
WATCH
OFF THEY GO!
All five students look to their futures, as college grads, ready to make their mark.
getting help
WATCH
WATCH
WATCH
meet maria from student services
meet maria from student services
meet maria from disabled student services
As Associate Director of the UC Riverside Disabled Student Services office, Maria describes how they get ‘down in the trenches’ with disabled students, helping them with all facets of college life.
As Associate Director of the UC Riverside Disabled Student Services office, Maria describes how they get ‘down in the trenches’ with disabled students, helping them with all facets of college life.
As Associate Director of the UC Riverside Disabled Student Services office, Maria describes how they get ‘down in the trenches’ with disabled students, helping them with all facets of college life.
interviews
WATCH
WATCH
WATCH
PROFESSOR SPOTLIGHT SERIES:
PROFESSOR SPOTLIGHT SERIES:
PROFESSOR SPOTLIGHT SERIES:
Aurby Mintz, Cal State Long Beach
Aurby Mintz, Cal State Long Beach
Aurby Mintz, Cal State Long Beach
Professor of Animation and Department Chair Aubry Mintz talks about how colleges could better prepare faculty for supporting students on the spectrum
Professor of Animation and Department Chair Aubry Mintz talks about how colleges could better prepare faculty for supporting students on the spectrum
Professor of Animation and Department Chair Aubry Mintz talks about how colleges could better prepare faculty for supporting students on the spectrum
we won the anthem award
we won the anthem award
we won the anthem award
The Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences has awarded us a gold medal for diversity, equity & inclusion. Hailed as the “Internet’s highest honor” by The New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international awards organization honoring excellence on the Internet. The Anthem Awards is a division of the Webbys for cause-focused content.
The Autism Goes To College project is brought to you with generous support from:
