There is a good article from Contra Costa Times entitled, “Berkeley students find bridge to college”, that you may wish to read. It talks about how students function in college after their specialized programs in high school are over.
As the article says:
All the challenges of freshman year are multiplied 500-fold when you’re also dealing with autistic spectrum disorders, says Janet Miller, director of Berkeley’s two-year-old College Internship Program for young adults with Asperger’s and similar disabilities.
It’s not a question of intelligence. It’s regular life they have difficulty with — getting up in the morning, prioritizing tasks, and taking care of themselves.
This is an important area to consider as your student is getting older and ready for college. Your local colleges may have programs similar to the one at Berkeley, or at least a student services department where they can find help… such as the DSS department at CSULB.
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Autism Partnerships is advertising their summer programs for August if you or someone you know is interested. Their website says:
Here is a great opportunity for one to three weeks of fun and therapeutic activities lead by our highly experienced autism therapists. Each week has a special theme, but every week will emphasize the development of social skills.

“Navigating the Maze of Autism” is a 2-day workshop being presented by Autism Partnership U.S. The workshop will be conducted by Dr. Ronald Leaf on May 13th-14th in Seal Beach, CA.
Ronald Leaf is a licensed psychologist who has over 35 years of experience in the field of autism. He earned both his Bachelor’s and Doctoral degrees at UCLA, working closely with Ivar Lovaas. Dr. Leaf was extensively involved in many of the Young Autism Project research investigations, contributed to The ME Book and is coauthor of The ME Book Videotapes, A Work in Progress, It’s Time for School and It Has to be Said.
This is the last workshop from Autism Partnership until August, and we encourage you to check it out. Registration info and forms can be found here.
Location: 200 Marina Drive, Seal Beach CA 90740
$125/Person · $100 for Parents (Lunch provided)