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Real members of MyAutismTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

I’m not sure how the IEP process translates to community college. Has anyone gone through this transition and have suggestions or advice?

A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭
Indianapolis, IN

For context: I have an 18-year-old with ASD who will soon be graduating from high school. She receives speech services and gets support in a SpEd classroom for executive function skills.

March 6
 · 
Be the first to react
A MyAutismTeam Member

I just had GPT Chat help with this and it turned my young adult 's IEP in to a college ready master piece also follow up with your young adult doctor and discuss functions and limitations!

June 3
A MyAutismTeam Member

https://www.autismspeaks.org/website/college-au...

IEPs and 504 plans do not exist or transfer to college, as high school special education laws (IDEA) stop at graduation. Instead, autistic students must self-disclose their disability to the college’s disability services office to request reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Key Differences & Steps for College:
Self-Advocacy: Students are responsible for identifying themselves as needing support, not the school.
Documentation: You must provide documentation (e.g., medical diagnosis, past IEP/504) to the disability office.
Reasonable Accommodations: Common accommodations include extended test time, quiet testing locations, note-taking assistance, or preferential seating.
No Curriculum Modifications: Colleges do not modify curriculum, but they do "level the playing field" through accommodations.

Transition Tips:
Contact Disability Services: Do this before the semester starts to set up a letter for professors.
Focus on Skills: Build self-advocacy, time management, and organization skills before leaving high school.
Look for Specialized Support: Some colleges have specialized programs for autistic students, such as the ACTS program at the University of Alabama.
Organization Help: Organizations like College Autism Spectrum can assist in finding supportive environments.

https://www.autismspeaks.org/website/college-autism-spectrum
March 6
A MyAutismTeam Member

From what I remember, my daughter's IEP wasn't supposed to be carried over but they took her supports from it and moved them to the college. For example she needed to have directions repeated and extra time for taking exams so that carried over to community college,

March 6
MyAutismTeam

How does the IEP process translate to community college for a student with autism transitioning from high school?

The transition from high school IEPs to college is a significant shift. In college, IEPs don't exist in the same way - instead, students work with disability services offices and receive accommodations rather Show Full Answer

How does the IEP process translate to community college for a student with autism transitioning from high school?

The transition from high school IEPs to college is a significant shift. In college, IEPs don't exist in the same way - instead, students work with disability services offices and receive accommodations rather than specialized instruction.

Here are key differences to understand:

- College students must self-advocate and request accommodations themselves
- Services focus on access and accommodations, not specialized teaching or therapy
- Speech services and executive function support won't be provided by the college in the same way
- Students need documentation of their disability to receive accommodations

To prepare for this transition:

- Connect with the community college's disability services office early
- Get updated documentation from doctors or specialists
- Help your daughter practice self-advocacy skills before she starts
- Research what accommodations are available (extended test time, note-taking assistance, etc.)
- Consider outside support for executive function skills and speech therapy if needed

Some parents on MyAutismTeam have found success hiring advocates or educational consultants to help navigate this transition. The College Internship Program is one example of specialized support for students with autism and learning differences transitioning to college life.

The key is starting early and understanding that your daughter will need to take more ownership of requesting and managing her supports.

March 6

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