College
College Navigation Services
Community Autism Resources’ College Navigation Service is a service to help college students navigate campus resources, social situations, and other challenges a student may be facing while attending college. This could include executive functioning challenges such as time management, scheduling classes, organizing class binders, different studying styles, or more. This service will typically be delivered on campus but may be accessed remotely as needed. The student will work with the college navigator to establish a scheduled meeting time and location. With CAR’s 28+ years of experience in bringing individuals with autism spectrum disorder individualized, high quality services, we believe that this program will give many college students the tools they need to have a successful college experience.
*This is not tutoring or academic support*
Core Services
Application Assistance
Campus Navigation
- locating classes
- knowing where to access student resources
- use of online portals being used by colleges
Time Management
- scheduling classes
- balancing classwork, homework, and social life etc.
Social Recreational
- accessing clubs or group on campus
- working on skills to make and keep friends
- available sports teams or clubs
Study Prep
- assistance in finding what study method works best for each student
Dorm Life
- communicating any needs with roommates
- using college meal plans
And More!
*this is not a tutoring or academic support*
For a list of colleges in our service region please contact us!
Frequently Asked Questions about College Navigation
Who is eligible?
Students who:
- Have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Receive services from or eligible to receive services from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
- Are enrolled or will become enrolled in college (post-secondary)
How do I sign up?
- Contact Mary Fox at MFox@community-autism-resources.com or 508-379-0371 ext. 25
- Contact your DDS Service Coordinator and ask for a referral
Is this a 1:1 or a group program?
This program was designed to be individualized as a 1:1 program. However, if there are multiple students that are all sharing the same goal and a group meeting might fit the needs better than 1:1 meetings, a group will be facilitated.
Where do we meet?
The student and college navigator will discuss what will work best for the success of the student. Meetings can be held virtually, in person on the campus, or in person at a designated meeting location.
What is the cost of the program?
The program is a service through DDS which means that there will be no out of pocket expenses for those students that are found eligible through DDS
Will the college navigator help the student in class?
This program is NOT intended for academic support or tutoring. The college navigator will NOT be attending classes with the student. The college navigator can assist the student in finding the necessary supports such as a tutor or note taker.
How much time does the college navigator spend with the student weekly?
The number of hours spent with each student will differ depending on the specific needs of each student. For example, some students will need significantly more time in their first semester than they will by the time they get to their third semester. Some students may need a brief 30-minute weekly meeting, where others may need an hour or more. The navigator and student in combination with DDS will determine the amount of weekly hours allotted to each student.
Will the college navigator communicate with parents, professors, therapists, etc. regarding the student and their services?
The college navigators will keep the students right to privacy and independence at the forefront. We will not communicate with anyone unless we receive expressed permission by the student.
If you are receiving this service through DDS, we are contractually obligated to provide service information to the DDS Service Coordinator assigned to the student. We will, whenever possible, include the student in all communication.
For more information
