Transition Support Centre for Students with Autism

 

What is the Transition Support Centre (TSC)?

The Transition Support Centre (TSC) provides individualized services and supports to students with autism through a supportive environment as they navigate through a mentored college experience at Algonquin College. Staff are experts in autism spectrum disorder and are knowledgeable of specific information about the unique characteristics and learning needs of participating students. The centre uses a positive behavioral approach in its service delivery. 

The TSC is located in Room E345 (3rd Floor, E Building) and can be reached at AC-TSC@algonquincollege.com. 

Individuals with autism can achieve great success but may require individualized academic and skill-building supports to reach their goals. This innovative centre is structured to ensure the right supports exist and are in place so that students may have a successful college experience and learn the skills necessary to enter a competitive workforce. 

Who can register with and access the Transition Support Centre (TSC)?

The Transition Support Centre (TSC) provides outreach and support to domestic and international students who have been diagnosed with autism. Students participating in the TSC meet acceptance criteria for Algonquin College like any other student.  

 Register Now for the TSC  

What types of supports does the Transition Support Centre (TSC) offer?

Through accessing supports at the TSC, students’ personal goals are identified and strategies are developed based on the individual needs of each student. The program supports students to learn skills that will help them earn a college degree, work in their chosen field, and live a productive, independent and quality life. Key supports revolve around academic needs, social skills development, and independent living skills development. 

Academic Supports Include: 

  • One-on-one meetings in which students and staff work together to determine and request reasonable academic accommodations through the creation of Letters of Accommodation (LOA) 
  • Tailored teaching and modeling of self-advocacy skills for effective communication with faculty, staff, and peers.
  • Customized learning strategies designed and implemented to teach students effective executive functioning skills in addition to traditional learning skills such as time management, note taking, studying, and test taking. 

Social Skills Supports Include: 

  • Individualized assistance from program staff for student involvement in campus organizations, clubs and extra-curricular activities.
  • Skill-building sessions that teach appropriate social skills fit for college lifestyle. 
  • Small group and individual mentoring sessions.
  • Supported access to campus activities and organizations that provide students with opportunities to develop social skills and make key social connections with the college community.

Independent Living Skills Supports Include: 

  • Teaching effective communication skills designed to meet the needs of individuals transitioning into adulthood.
  • Aiding students as they navigate through the day-to-day demands of a college lifestyle.

What is World Autism Awareness Day?

Get to know the #ACSpectrum! Join the Transition Support Centre (TSC), the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) staff and AC students for Algonquin College’s Celebration of World Autism Awareness Day every April 2nd! The celebration promotes awareness of autism, emphasizing positive, realistic identities of people with autism and encourages the acceptance of neurodiversity at Algonquin College. 

Watch the video below to see Algonquin students demystifying facts about autism and celebrating the spectrum on campus!