Marshall University's College Program has been supporting neurodivergent learners for over 20 years

About Inclusive Academia
Welcome to "Inclusive Academia," your guide for neurodiverse high school students and their families navigating post-graduation options. Join us, as we explore autism and neurodiversity support programs at U.S. colleges, as well as other alternatives that graduating seniors should consider.

Our goal is to offer practical advice and lessons learned from top experts about options for neurodiverse students after high school. We will provide you behind-the-scenes deep dive interviews with directors and students at incredible college autism and neurodiversity support programs around the country. From academic assistance to housing to social integration, we'll get your questions answered.

We hope to make this life decision a little less stressful and a lot more exciting for the whole family. Subscribe for exclusive insights and join us in empowering neurodiverse individuals to thrive after high school!


In This Episode
Mindy Thornton and Nate Hensley join the program to discuss the College Program supporting autistic and neurodiverse learners at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia.

The program started over 20 years ago when a parent of an autistic learner appealed to the university to support her son through his college journey. Marshall's program is widely regarded as one of the first major college autism support programs and has supported hundreds of students over its history.

The program offers supports in three main areas of academic and executive functioning skills, independent living skills, and social supports.


Run of Show
0:07 - Introductions

0:17 - Overview of Marshall University

1:33 - Overview of surrounding community of Huntington, West Virginia

2:23 - Overview of the College Program for autistic and neurodivergent learners

3:22 - Academic, Executive Functioning, and Independent Living support services

5:23 - Supporting social connections

6:12 - College Program team structure and approach

7:39 - Applying to the College Program

9:34 - College Program fees

10:11 - Career Services support at Marshall

10:49 - Housing options at Marshall

13:04 - The HELP program for students with intellectual disabilities at Marshall

13:52 - Communicating with parents

16:00 - Supporting student mental health featuring in-house counseling

16:58 - Recent academic performance by College Program students

17:34 - Summer transition program for new incoming students

18:53 - Student success stories


Link to Marshall University's College Program website: https://www.marshall.edu/collegeprogram/

Contact Matt: [email protected]

@collegeautismnetwork2095