Transition and Support Program
About the Program
Attending college is a significant, life-changing event, especially for young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Southern is introducing its Transition and Support Program “TSP” to meet the unique needs of the growing population of university students diagnosed with ASD. According to estimates, one in 68 high school graduates is diagnosed with ASD. However, only 15 percent of those graduates attend college, and of those, only one in five students actually graduate. Southern acknowledges that some students with ASD may need additional support in transitioning to university life. Southern values these students as part of our diverse community. The TSP program will assist ASD students to learn to identify and access the community and support services of the university within a caring and loving Christian community.
The fee-based Transition and Support Program is designed for students who exhibit superior intellectual ability but face challenges in executive functioning and social interactions, however, students with other forms of learning disabilities or ADHD may also find this program beneficial. This program is a campus-wide collaborative endeavor with representatives from various administrative departments.
TSP is not just for freshmen students but is also available to students already attending or transferring into Southern. This program is not designed for students dealing with major psychiatric disorders or a history of violence, nor is the program for students requiring constant individual aid, as they cannot be served adequately by this program.
The TSP staff helps students understand the complex and confusing world of social interaction. Support is individually tailored to match each student’s unique profile, specifically focusing on improving social engagements as well as abilities and not disabilities.
Attending college is a significant, life-changing event, especially for young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Southern is introducing its Transition and Support Program “TSP” to meet the unique needs of the growing population of university students diagnosed with ASD. According to estimates, one in 68 high school graduates is diagnosed with ASD. However, only 15 percent of those graduates attend college, and of those, only one in five students actually graduate. Southern acknowledges that some students with ASD may need additional support in transitioning to university life. Southern values these students as part of our diverse community. The TSP program will assist ASD students to learn to identify and access the community and support services of the university within a caring and loving Christian community.
The fee-based Transition and Support Program is designed for students who exhibit superior intellectual ability but face challenges in executive functioning and social interactions, however, students with other forms of learning disabilities or ADHD may also find this program beneficial. This program is a campus-wide collaborative endeavor with representatives from various administrative departments.
TSP is not just for freshmen students but is also available to students already attending or transferring into Southern. This program is not designed for students dealing with major psychiatric disorders or a history of violence, nor is the program for students requiring constant individual aid, as they cannot be served adequately by this program.
The TSP staff helps students understand the complex and confusing world of social interaction. Support is individually tailored to match each student’s unique profile, specifically focusing on improving social engagements as well as abilities and not disabilities.
TSP Staff work with students to ensure they are provided with:
- Weekly individual meetings;
- Weekly group therapy sessions to develop methods to enhance the ability to cope with social relationships;
- Monthly gathering events to encourage socialization;
- Priority access to the on-campus sensory room, a safe place to relax*; and
- A liaison to faculty and/or academic advisers.
Students are assigned a TSP Academic Coach to assist with:
Mentors and Coaches may consist of undergraduate and graduate students from various majors. Still, master, graduate or upper-level students supervise all services. This allows students to work with a variety of individuals to work together toward a common goal. Students will work with a new set of providers each alternating year of the program.
Parental Involvement:
With student approval, parents receive an update on student’s adjustment on a weekly or monthly basis or as requested or needed.
Costs:
The cost of the program is $2,500 per semester. This fee ensures that the necessary materials and program team members are available. This fee is in addition to Southern’s tuition and housing fees.
To Apply:
Students interested in applying for this program must meet the minimum requirements for admission and be accepted to Southern Adventist University. They must also be capable of doing university-level work, maintaining personal hygiene, and knowing how to wash clothes and change bed sheets. Because residential life allows students to learn social interaction, independent living, and time management, students are strongly encouraged to live in the dorm.
Application to Transition and Support Program
Intake Questionnaire
Registration:
We welcome your registration in the TSP program. After you have received notification of your acceptance from Southern, please contact TSP to request an intake packet. You will need to complete and return the following:
- Weekly meetings to help develop strategies to manage to change schedules as well as master time management and organizational skills;
- Assisting the scheduling of content tutoring through the tutoring center;
- Developing individualized coping strategies when sensory stimuli interfere with the ability to learn;
- Course registration;
- Making course schedule changes;
- Understanding how to access course material, understanding the importance of meeting due dates of classroom assignments.
- Managing dorm life;
- Developing skills necessary to maintain a clean living environment;
- Maintaining personal hygiene;
- Knowing where to attend worships.
Mentors and Coaches may consist of undergraduate and graduate students from various majors. Still, master, graduate or upper-level students supervise all services. This allows students to work with a variety of individuals to work together toward a common goal. Students will work with a new set of providers each alternating year of the program.
Parental Involvement:
With student approval, parents receive an update on student’s adjustment on a weekly or monthly basis or as requested or needed.
Costs:
The cost of the program is $2,500 per semester. This fee ensures that the necessary materials and program team members are available. This fee is in addition to Southern’s tuition and housing fees.
To Apply:
Students interested in applying for this program must meet the minimum requirements for admission and be accepted to Southern Adventist University. They must also be capable of doing university-level work, maintaining personal hygiene, and knowing how to wash clothes and change bed sheets. Because residential life allows students to learn social interaction, independent living, and time management, students are strongly encouraged to live in the dorm.
Application to Transition and Support Program
Intake Questionnaire
Registration:
We welcome your registration in the TSP program. After you have received notification of your acceptance from Southern, please contact TSP to request an intake packet. You will need to complete and return the following:
- Complete the program’s application and Intake Questionnaire;
- Include letter of acceptance to Southern Adventist University;
- Documentation stating applicant’s primary and any co-occurring diagnoses;
- Because space in the program is limited, students are encouraged to submit their application as soon as possible.
Students should also be sure to register with the Disability Support Services Offices
if they will be seeking academic accommodations.
We look forward to welcoming you into our community.