Eastern Illinois University’s Students with Autism Transitional Education Program focuses on providing support and skill development in three main areas to help improve success in EIU's regular college classes, majors, and campus life. Students in STEP receive services to develop executive functions, social interactions, and problem solving skills necessary for academic, social, and daily living success at EIU as well as success after earning a degree from college.
The program is mindful of skills needed as students transition to college life and general education coursework as well as later transitions for advanced coursework in majors and career planning. With supports in place for motivated students with autism, the challenges associated with transitioning to university life with new and higher expectations, greater independence, and less structure can be reduced. Become a member of STEP to break down the barriers and STEP through the door of success!
STEP is a fee-based program, with a capped number of students who can be admitted each year,
that provides support and services beyond the reasonable accommodations to students with autism as required by the ADA at college. The STEP program within the EIU Autism Center receives some support from The Autism Program of Illinois which helps EIU keep fees lower for the program than many other university support programs for Autism.
Please see the Program Components page for more thorough description of the STEP program. Please also review this brochure which highlights the differences between high school and college demands and supports as you consider your student's readiness for college and what type of program best meets their needs. Contact us for more information or view our Frequently Asked Questions.
