Frequently Asked Questions
What comprehensive services are offered at CIP?
CIP is a year-round residential program for specifically for young adults on the Autism Spectrum or with Learning Differences which offers individualized supports with social skills, executive functioning, college academic supports, career development and life skills training. CIP supports students as they pursue their interests in the form of college degrees, employment, and independent living.See our complete list of curriculum specifically for ASD and LD students
What are the criteria for admissions?
- Ages 18 to 26 years old
- Documented diagnosis of Asperger’s, High-Functioning Autism, PDD-NOS, ADHD, NLD, Dyslexia or other Learning Differences
- Low average to high intelligence
- High level of motivation to meet program goals
- Potential to live and attend college or career program independently
- Emotional, behavioral, and psychological stability
What testing needs to be included when I apply?
The evaluation we require in support of an application should include a WISC or WAIS with subtest interpretation, either a Woodcock Johnson or WIAT, and a thorough psychological evaluation/mental status examination that clearly expresses diagnoses and indicates any emotional and/or behavioral issues of which we should be aware in considering a young person for admission.
How long does a student usually attend?
On average, students attend CIP for 2-3 years. Students are required to attend for no less than 1 year. Students can transition to less supported levels of support as they gain the competencies they need to be successful.
How many students finish their degrees?
Many students leave CIP with their Associates, Bachelors and occasionally a Masters degree or a certificate through a specialized program in the area of their interest. Students who do not attend college participate in our Career Skills Training and Employment Program (C-STEP).
What types of internships are available?
CIP has relationships with local businesses which provide a wide selection of internships opportunities. Each students special interest is pursued in the form of an internship with the intention of obtaining a job. Examples of internships include computer repair technician, florists assistant and landscape designer.
What social activities are available?
In addition to the average of four to five weekend activities are planned each week, weekly student senate meetings and group potlucks occur. Students are required to take turns cooking for their apartment-mates. Individual social mentoring outings and group social thinking classes are part of CIP curriculum offerings. Regular scheduled community service activities take place and a yearly cultural trip is offered when students can travel to exotic destinations as a group. CIP students form a tight-knit community and develop relationships that last a lifetime.
What is the student to staff ratio?
The average full-time equivalent staff to student ratio is 2:1.
How much supervision is there?
CIP’s day staff is available from 8AM to 5PM daily. Evening residential staff work with students during scheduled appointments from 4PM to 9PM. After 9PM, overnight on-call staff check in with students and are available for emergencies. Incoming students have a curfew of 11 pm on weeknights and 1 am on weekends for the first semester.
Do students live in dorms?
The majority of students live in furnished apartments with 1-3 roommates. Each student has their own room and shares the common space, which includes bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and laundry. Student apartments are at most a short walk to CIP offices and other student residences. Students share responsibilities in maintaining a clean household and create a schedule to manage cleaning and cooking duties. Students enrolled in our Levels of Support 5-6 live in an off campus apartment or a dorm on campus and do not receive independent living supports from CIP.
What kind of therapeutic support is available?
CIP offers cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) by licensed staff clinicians. Our clinicians use CBT as a light form of therapy for “life maintenance” issues such as anxiety and depression that are common with and ASD or LD diagnosis. Therapy sessions generally occur for 45 minutes per week and are included in tuition.
Do students have to bring their own furniture?
All apartments are fully-furnished. Students bring bedding, cooking utensils and dishes, bathmats and other personal items to help make themselves at home. Most beds are twin sized with extra long beds available. A TV (in the common area) and wireless Internet access are also provided.
Do students get breaks?
CIP is a year-round program following an academic calendar based on semesters. Regularly scheduled break times typically occur for a few weeks in the winter, spring and summer. CIP offices are closed throughout the year for major holidays, staff training, and program development.
What type of financial assistance is available?
While some parents/guardians can afford to send their student to CIP, many find the costs overwhelming and/or out-of-reach. There are a number of funding resources available. Visit the Financial Resources page.
What is not included in tuition?
Housing is a separate cost from tuition. Students who choose to enroll in college pay for their college classes and books separately from CIP tuition. CIP’s C-STEP career program track or the Visual and Performing Arts Track (CIP Berkshire only) are an additional cost for students not attending a college. Visit the Tuition and Fees page for more information.
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