Post Secondary Resources
This page helps autistic and neurodivergent students plan, connect, and thrive in their post-secondary journey.
PREPARING FOR POST SECONDARY
Autism Campus Prep is a free online course that supports choosing academic programs, getting involved on campus, and planning for healthy student life. The course was co-created by autistic students and graduates alongside The Sinneave Family Foundation in AIDE (Autism and/or Intellectual Disability Knowledge Exchange Network) Canada.
Transitioning to Adulthood: Creating Your Village is an article in AIDE (Autism and/or Intellectual Disability Knowledge Exchange Network) Canada written by Fakhri Shafai and co-written by Christina Devlin, an Autistic Community Partner with the AIDAN Lab. It explores relationships, support networks, and vocational planning as you move into adulthood.
Beyond High School: Self-Identity & Managing Life is an article in AIDE (Autism and/or Intellectual Disability Knowledge Exchange Network) Canada that is written by Laura Beaune .It is a Toolkit on preparing for life after high school, including education, work, housing, and self-advocacy.
Launch Into Life! is an online course developed by Sinneave Foundation Family Foundation in AIDE Canada. It is designed to help Autistic youth set goals and build life skills for adult independence.
Post-Secondary Programs for Autistic and Disabled Students is an article on AIDE Canada that is a directory of specialized or supported college/university programs across the country in different provinces and territories.
“How to Find the Right College for Autistic Students,” published on July 24, 2024 by Marina Sarris on a US-based platform called SPARK. It offers guidance on selecting college programs that provide strong support and the right fit for autistic individuals.
Autism Specific College Support Programs (ASPs) and Independent Autism Support Programs(IASPs) are free databases of U.S. colleges and universities to find programs that may be a good fit for you or someone who you know in the autism community.
NAVIGATING CAMPUS LIFE & ACCESSIBILITY
The webinar on AIDE Canada provides an overview on accessing different disability services, accommodations and grants across Canada. It also discusses foundational, research-informed skills that contribute to success in post-secondary environments.
The Navigating College handbook is a unique resource created by autistic adults specifically for autistic college students, offering guidance on all aspects of campus life. Covering topics from classroom culture and residence life to disclosure, self advocacy and sexuality. It shares first-person insights from autistic students and graduates, making it one of more relevant and accessible resources.
Work and School Accommodations for Autism and AuDHD, written by Dr. Debra Bercovici and published on June 30, 2023, is a Canadian resource that explores helpful accessibility supports for autistic and AuDHD individuals at school and in the workplace.
A directory of organizations published in AIDE Canada that help students transition and navigate post-secondary. It provides an overview of post-secondary support offered in every Canadian province and territory.
EXECUTIVE FUNCTION , STUDYING & TECHNOLOGY
This Autistic-authored AIDE Canada guide explores how apps and technology can support planning, organization, and other executive functioning skills for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Free online library with 6000+ books and audiobooks — including study and student life resources on AIDE Canada.
CAREER EXPLORATION & EMPLOYMENT
EmploymentWorks is a Canadian self paced employment readiness program that helps Autistic and disabled students explore careers, build work skills, and prepare for job entry.
NEADS provides advocacy, scholarships, peer networks, and employment support for disabled students in Canada.
FUNDING & FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Quick reference for Canadian grants and financial supports for disabled students on AIDE CANADA.
Detailed breakdown of disability-related post-secondary funding across Canada. This resource was published on AIDE Canada along with Pacific Autism Family Work.
This article on AIDE Canada provides a step-by-step explanation of eligibility, application tips and helps to navigate the Disability Tax Credit.
Visual summary published on AIDE Canada including eligibility for qualifying for the Disability Tax Credit, benefit amounts and steps to apply.
HOUSING & INDEPENDENT LIVING
Housing Resource Guide for Alberta is written by autistic self advocate Christopher Whelan on AIDE Canada is a guide that supports autistic people in choosing whether and when to move out of their family home. It explains housing choices, renter rights and independent living skills. The guide was created in partnership with Autism Calgary.
MENTAL HEALTH, BURNOUT, WELL-BEING
This research-based guide explains Autistic burnout and offers validated screening tools. It was created by Dr. Eva Engelbrecht and Kendall and published on August 14, 2024, on the Canadian platform Embrace Autism.
Burnout vs. Autistic Burnout, written by Dr. Natalie Engelbrecht, published on March 21, 2024, on the Canadian platform Embrace Autism, explains how to distinguish autistic burnout from typical burnout and offers strategies for recovery.
Neurodiversity-affirming articles, checklists, and guides, especially helpful for late-identified adults.
GENERAL GUIDANCE
Thinking about Post-Secondary written by Jason Manett & Kevin P. Stoddart dated January 13, 2013 includes the overview of key questions and planning considerations before beginning college or university.
