College Success for Neurodivergent Students

Saturday, November 14, 2026, 9:00 am -12:30 pm

The College Success for Neurodivergent Students program is a one-of-a-kind program offered by the Center of Excellence on Autism Spectrum Disorders at Southern Connecticut State University to help alleviate some of the stress and anxiety surrounding the transition to college. This event will inform neurodivergent high school students and their families about the college experience and how to navigate it. Our goal is to provide the information a family may need to decide whether college is the next best step after high school graduation.

This program will feature:

Presentations from the SCSU's Center for Academic Success and Accessibility Services, the office that provides support for different learners, will discuss student accommodations in the college setting, along with other support options available.
Residential life will be on hand to discuss housing, activities, and the campus environment.
A presentation from an admissions counselor will help to guide you through the process of applying to college.
The day will conclude with a panel discussion that includes SCSU students, faculty, and staff.
All presentations will offer question-and-answer opportunities for students and their families.

You will leave this event with valuable insights about the transition from high school to college.

There is limited space for this program; registration is required.

Register Here

Directions and Map to Adanti Student Center

College Success for Neurodivergent Students

Presented by the Center of Excellence on Autism Spectrum Disorders

Saturday, November 14

9:00 AM-12:30 PM

8:45-9:00	Check in
9:00	Welcome Dr. Julia Irwin, Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
9:10-9:45	The Transition to College … What to expect and what questions to ask? Presenters: Dr. Kari Sassu, Center Director & Dr. Fred Volkmar, Goodwin Endowed Chair of Special Education Center of Excellence on Autism Spectrum Disorders
9:45-10:15	Admissions Presenter: Asia Hannah, Admissions Graduate Assistant Office of Admissions
10:15-10:45	Accessibility Services Presenter: Ted Donahue, Associate Director for Accessibility Services Center for Academic Success and Accessibility Services (CASAS)
10:45-11:00	BREAK
11:00-11:30	Resident Life Presenter: Mandi Kuster, Associate Director of Residence Life for Programming Office of Residence Life
11:30-11:50	Career and Professional Development Presenter: Hannah Graham, Senior Career Peer Office of Career and Professional Development (OCPD)
12:00-12:30	Panel Discussion – Facilitator: Dr. Christopher Trombly, Dean, College of Education
	Student Panelists: Caroline Spaulding Tim Thornton Adrian Guzman Caleb Weinstein	Faculty & Staff Panelists: Dr. Rachel Furey, English Professor Dr. Nick Pinkerton, Associate Dean of Counseling Services and Wellbeing Ted Donahue, Associate Director for Accessibility Services
12:30	Thank you Dr. Kari Sassu, Center Director Center of Excellence on Autism Spectrum Disorders
12:30	Campus Tours