Autism: Transitioning to College and the Real World – SFGate

By Laura Shumaker, San Francisco Chronicle

I used to envy my friends who had children with learning disabilities and Asperger syndrome. I watched their sons and daughters move from special education classes to regular classes–some even landed in our school district’s gifted and talented program. My understanding at the time was that since these kids were on the “graduation track”, they would likely go to college, enter the work force and go on to live independently. I would later learn that academics alone are not enough.

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Berkshire Weekend Activities

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Berkeley Weekend Activities

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Bloomington Weekend Activities

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Brevard Weekend Activities

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Brevard Center Open House

You are invited to come and explore the many opportunities the College Internship Program (CIP) at the Brevard Center has to offer young adults ages 18-26 with Asperger’s, ADD, NLD, dyslexia, high-functioning autism and other learning differences.

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Berkshire Open House in March

You are invited to come explore the comprehensive college & career options available for young adults with Asperger’s syndrome, ADD and other learning differences at the Berkshire Center in Lee, Massachusetts. Join us for a curriculum overview including a tour of the campus, staff and student panel and Q&A. Lunch will be provided.

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Math Tutoring – The Story Behind the Techniques

By Paul Gosselin, Berkshire Center academic tutor

Students learn more when they think success can be achieved. (1) They will try harder and longer if the expectation of reaching their goal is high. Another motivational tool is to use the belief that success is based on one’s own ability and effort. (2)

Math is a subject where these and other motivational tools can be used to a great advantage because success is based on repetition of the gained skills and methodology. When the student achieves initial success, it tends to reinforce the need to practice repeatedly in order to gain further success.

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I’m Independent: A Guide to Prove It

By the students at the Brevard Center

A guide on how to change your parents perspectives during home visitations.

Since you have come to CIP you have made many strides; college, and internship, having roommates, pushing yourself to do new things (and some you might not even be aware of). Your parents, wishing the best for you, gave you this opportunity to learn and grow independently of them.

Now that you are home, you may start to feel like you are in the middle of both worlds, your life living at home with your parents and your life at CIP. The students at the Brevard Center have brainstormed some ways to fight regression and make the most out of your changing relationships with your family.

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Wellness Student of the Month

By Talitha Eustice, Berkshire Center Health & Wellness Coordinator

Liz Gray is an integral and dynamic part of the C.I.P. Volleyball team. The volleyball team is comprised of 9 dedicated CIP athletes that show up consistently and work hard. The students devote two hours of their Sunday every week for practice and drills and compete in a recreational league in Pittsfield, MA every Tuesday. In addition, they have all taken extra time to act as referees for other games.

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Chicago Tribune: Life, Social Skills Focus of Indiana Autism Program

By Mike Leonard
December 12, 2009

Every student in the College Internship Program in downtown Bloomington has a story to tell about overcoming adversity. For many, a big problem is feeling comfortable in social situations and making and keeping friends.

For others, it’s the intense focus they put into matters at hand, which causes them to forget about appointments and deadlines until it’s too late. Some struggle with beginning a task, or completing one.

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