Breaking Down the Stigma of Having Autism in College
With the right support, having autism in college can be an incredible experience. Here’s how we help students with autism succeed.
College life is a transformative period, offering students a chance to learn, grow, and embark on a journey of self-discovery. However, for individuals with autism, college can be uniquely challenging.
How so?
Social, sensory, and academic demands of higher education – to name a few.
In recent years, there has been a growing effort to break down the stigma surrounding autism in college. At Mansfield Hall, we partner with colleges and universities to flip the script on what the college experience can look like for all students – neurodivergent or not.
At Mansfield Hall, we have created an evidence-based and practical approach to empowering students to thrive in college and daily life.
Our mission is to build a community that empowers and supports students with diverse learning needs to earn a college degree, develop authentic living skills, and create a meaningful life.
Our Four-Core Approach is the basic framework of our work with students. It addresses the essential areas of a successful college experience. For students with autism and who identify themselves on the neurodivergent spectrum, we’ve found this approach to be incredibly successful. Let’s break it down:
Living. Learning. Giving. Engaging.
Each core area is interdependent on the other. Students must develop skills in each core area to reach their true potential.
A positive college experience must effectively balance the development of academic, independent living, social, and vocational skills. it must also include self-monitoring, self-advocacy, and executive functioning across all areas.
Our goal-setting, progress monitoring, and ongoing coaching address these Four-Core Areas – Living, Learning, Giving, and Engaging.
Our team works closely with each student to identify, set, and achieve individualized goals in the Four-Core Areas. In addition to providing a residential experience within a supportive community, this coaching relationship is central to the Mansfield Hall experience. Here’s a closer look:
Our Four-Core Approach in Action for Students with Autism in College
Individuals with Autism in College Can Be Incredibly Successful
Breaking down the stigma of having autism in college is an ongoing movement that we’ve been a part of for the past decade since we opened our doors. We’ve seen countless students with autism, and their loved ones, rejoice and literally weep because they can have an amazing college experience – something that they never thought possible.
To learn more about our Four-Core Approach, please visit here, where we explore these four-core areas in more detail, including our:
- Pathway to Independence Model
- Our Student MAP (Making Action Plans)
- Assessment Tools
- Community & Coaching Model
If you have specific questions about our approach, please get in touch with us by clicking the link below:
Feeling overwhelmed in college- but not sure why? you’re not alone.
The key isn’t just “pushing through”, it’s learning to recognize what’s happening before you hit that wall, and having systems to reset.
That might look like:
• stepping outside for a walk
• box breathing between classes
• putting on a guided meditation
• reaching out to someone you trust
Small supports = big difference over time.
At Mansfield Hall, we help students build the awareness and tools to regulate, recharge, and navigate college in a way that actually works for them.
What’s one thing that helps you reset when you’re overwhelmed?
#CollegeLife #StudentMentalHealth #ExecutiveFunction #StressManagement
Excellent week across the board!
People Ops team member Jo touched down in Madison, receiving a warm welcome with coffee and a trip to see the Capitol building. VP of Program Ops Hayley grounded herself and took in the beauty of the Statehouse. Pancakes were served, and Burlington student Nikhil took the stage to perform with his choir.
A great week to zoom out and back in- and reflect on all the things we have to be grateful for!
#collegesupport #neurodiversity #worklifebalance
College can be energizing… and draining.
If you’ve ever felt socially exhausted, you’re not alone.
Understanding your limits (and what helps you recharge) can make all the difference.
#CollegeStudents #Neurodiversity #StudentWellbeing
Hangin` in there until spring weather kicks in!
This week at Mansfield Hall our Eugene, OR students did some rock climbing, Burlington, VT connections students took an outing to the bowling alley/arcade, while others took a trip to a local sugar house to learn about all things maple syrup. Students in Madison, WI continued their endeavors to learn about all things maintenance...and they make it look fun!
Happy Friday Friends- enjoy the weekend.
Mansfield Hall had the joy of hosting some professionals at our Madison, WI location recently, which included a student panel.
One of the questions asked was: What do you like about Mansfield Hall?
The answer: how inclusive it is.
No one gets to choose the brain they have, but we do get to choose the world we create. We choose to accept, celebrate, and work toward a world that’s more inclusive of every brain and the incredible things they can do.
Happy World Autism Awareness Day. We see you, and we celebrate you for all that you are and all that you can be!
❤️MH
#autismawareness #neurodiversity #collegesupport
Sensory overload happens when your brain receives more sensory input than it can comfortably process.
Our nervous systems are constantly taking in information, but when there’s too much coming in (or it’s coming too fast) our systems can become overwhelmed.
We get it, and it can be managed with small, intentional supports like reducing input, creating predictable routines, and building in quiet recovery time.
