Choosing Higher Education... and Staying There by Stephen Shore, EdD

With today's greater awareness, research, and interventions, ever-increasing numbers of people with autism are entering higher education. Many of the common challenges encountered by college students on the autism spectrum transitioning from high school and home into a college environment will be explored. Topics covered include what these young adults experience in the paradigm shift from being advocated for in public school to having to advocate for oneself in college. Additional areas of discussion include obtaining academic accommodations and strategies, legal issues, residential and housing considerations as well as developing self-advocacy skills while the student is still in grade school.

Stephen Shore, EdD was diagnosed as a child with "atypical development with strong autistic tendencies," viewed as "too sick" to be treated on an outpatient basis and recommended for institutionalization. Nonverbal until four, and with much help from his parents, teachers, and others, Stephen completed his doctoral dissertation at Boston University focused on matching best practice to the needs of people on the autism spectrum. More recently, Dr. Shore accepted a professorship at Adelphi University teaching courses in special education and autism. In addition to working with children and talking about life on the autism spectrum, Stephen presents and consults internationally on adult issues pertinent to education, relationships, employment, advocacy, and disclosure as discussed in his books Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Ask and Tell: Self-advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism Spectrum, and the critically acclaimed Understanding Autism for Dummies. President emeritus of the Asperger's Association of New England, Dr. Shore serves also on the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, for the Board of Directors for Autism Society of America, Unlocking Autism, and other organizations.