Emory University Program Supports Autistic Students on Their College Journey

College is a big change for anyone. For autistic students, it can bring challenges that other students do not face. Challenges such as knowing how to study, when to ask for help, how to make friends, or how to manage daily life. Emory University’s Emory Oaks program meets those challenges head-on, with one-on-one support, practical tools, and a community where autistic students belong.“Autistic students face many of the same challenges as other college students,” said Kelsey Bohlke, Assistant Director for Emory Oaks. “The difference is that neurotypical students often seem to pick up on how things work without being directly taught. Autistic students can benefit from having those things explained more clearly, whether it’s how to handle academics, find strategies that work for them, or learn how to study. Many of our students didn’t need to study in high school, so college may be the first time they’re learning how.”The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) is driven by its Five Year Strategic Plan goals to improve services and supports for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Council, charged with creating systems change for individuals with developmental disabilities and family members, will work through various advocacy and capacity building activities to build a more interdependent, self-sufficient, and integrated and included disability community across Georgia.This project was supported, in part by grant number 2001GASCDD-03, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.