You really needed to add all of what is going on with Abbie, from non-potty trained, aggression, constant need for supervision, eloping, cognitive level, etc., when posing that question. Yes, there are some programs for teenagers and adults on the Autism Spectrum. Even App State has one. Most require the students to have some ability to function at a higher level than where Abbie is at. They require the individual to want to know, that they want to go to college. They want to know that that individual will go on to be employed, which usually means that they would also be able to do Voc Rehab skills. There is a reason she isn’t going into that side of the program. Most states/counties cannot support 1-to-1 ratio of support with vocational rehabilitation. Meaning that an individual needs someone constantly with them to be able to perform a job. I know in NC, none of our counties can support this need. They just cannot have a capable adult, stand over and constantly do hand-over-hand or constant supervision, for an IDD person to be able to work. The state/county will evaluate the individual and eventually label them as “unemployable” or “unable to provide VR services.”
In our state/county, Abbie would have been evaluated last year and they would have decided if Abbie meet the qualifications to stay in a VR class room or move to a non-VR class. If she stayed in a VR class, the school would be able to receive funding for her education time for that part of the program. She also could be taken to small job sites to learn how to do small jobs.
Those are usually the individuals that colleges and universities are looking for. The ones that can do more. Sadly, Abbie cannot function on a level to even be able to stay in a classroom independently for any amount of time, without an aide right beside her or food in front of her.
I can only see Asa and/or Priscilla now, trying to sue colleges and universities for discriminating against their daughter and for not accepting her in their program.