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(CBS News) Much of the media attention on autism focuses on children with the disorder, and early invention tactics that may lead to a better future for these kids. But what happens when these children grow into young adults?
Dr. Jane Thierfeld Brown, director of student services at the University of Connecticut School of Law and co-author of the book, "The Parent's Guide to College for Students on the Autism Spectrum," told CBS News, "From what you see in ads and fundraisers you would think autism is a childhood disorder that people 'grow out of.'" Brown is also a parent of a 20 year old son on the autism spectrum.
From the time of their child's diagnosis, families struggle with many issues, including education, independence, and making friends, to name a few. But after high school ends, families have few options for adult services. If the student is going to college, he or she may need additional services than what is typically offered on campus.
According to College Autism Spectrum, an organization Brown co-founded with Lisa King of St. Catherine's University and Lorraine Wolf of Boston University, more than 15 colleges and universities around the country offer programs to help incoming students on the spectrum. In addition to those programs, Brown and her colleagues have conducted training seminars at more than 50 colleges around the country, preparing faculty and advisors on what makes a successful program that could aid the growing population of young adults on the autism spectrum.
With help from Dr. Brown, keep clicking to see a look at five programs for students with autism, and other support university offerings for students with autism.
