Most colleges in the United States are vacant of autism and neurodivergent support programs, but the programs that do exist contribute greatly to student success. They offer a framework on how to navigate college and life, focusing on executive functioning and independence, while also providing support and resources when the burdens of college life become too challenging to manage.

Nearly half- over 44%- of students on the spectrum receive some form of postsecondary education in the United States, making up one to two percent of students in universities, according to the Washington Post article from Cox and South. Students who are cognitively-able may experience difficulty adapting to college life because of social, organization, and emotional challenges. Because of similar challenges, and other potential factors, the graduation rate in the United States for students with autism and other disabilities is 41%, compared to the neurotypical graduation rate of 59%, according to the article. 

Colleges that do offer specialized programs are helping to close the graduation gap between neurotypical and neurodivergent students. Bellevue College in Washingston and Eastern Illinois Unviersity maintain high graduation rates among the students in their autism support programs. 

Bellevue College provides a program called Neurodiversity Navigators, which has a 95% retention across the academic year, and 85% or higher course completion, with a 3.0 GPA average among the program cohorts across all three quarters. 

In the case of Eastern Illinois University, Fahy said STEP came to fruition from the Communication Disorders and Sciences department’s full-service diagnostic therapy clinic. Many students were sent to the clinic for assistance with autism and STEP was born. The program began with about 14 to 15 students and limited services, but now has space for 30 seats.  

STEP has an 80% graduation rate among its students, which has remained consistent since the program’s inception. The STEP website provides testimony from students who say the program contributed to their overall success in college. 

Mark was a STEP participant who graduated in May of 2021. He was a full-time student who also worked for EIU’s Taylor Dining Hall and the Hit Mix 88.9 WEIU radio station, as an on-air DJ and personality. Mark credits the program as a resource that contributed to his success, in both academia and employment, because STEP helped him consistently balance his busy schedule. 

Shawn is another STEP participant who acknowledges the program’s role in helping him become more confident and less anxious. Shawn transferred to EIU in the Fall of 2020 after receiving his associate’s degree from the Motion Picture Television Department at the College of DuPage, to further develop his specialized skills. Working towards his Bachelor’s in Television and Video Production, Shawn was one of four students chosen to participate in an internship class that partners with Disney’s ESPN and the EIU’s Atheltics. The internship has helped Shawn develop professional communication all while learning more about his intended career. Shawn says STEP has helped him manage his academic workload, planning out assignments and tasks to avoid procrastination and stress.