CIP Expands Autism Services & Supports

To support the growing population of young adults on the autism spectrum and other learning differences, the College Internship Program (CIP) has recently added several autism services at its five Centers across the country.

New services include Family Services, a Graduate Living Program (GLC), and enhancements to the Mploy job readiness program. These new offerings provide additional support and opportunities for students, alumni, and their families. Since 1984, CIP has served thousands of teens and young adults with learning differences through its comprehensive abilities-based model.

Family Services

Family Services will provide parents with coaching support as their son or daughter progresses through the CIP program in order to prepare for their student’s transition to the next phase of their life.

The great benefit of coaching is that it typically lowers parental stress levels and increases self-confidence for families with students who have learning differences,” commented Sharona Sommer, Director of Family Services. “Studies show that these services result in long-term positive outcomes and improved quality of life.”

Graduate Living Community (GLC)

CIP recently launched the Graduate Living Community (GLC), which provides key support for young adults who have completed CIP’s general requirements, and would benefit from longer-term, lower-cost services as they transition more fully to independence. Support is provided in the areas of college academics, employment, housing and independent living skills. GLC participants live near CIP campuses and receive services that are tailored to meet their needs to ensure an integrated transition into the community.

Mploy Program Offered at California Theme Park

The CIP Long Beach Center is gearing up to host Mploy, a program designed for young adults who are interested in entering the workforce and transitioning to independent living. Knott’s Berry Farm in Southern California will be the new destination in January 2017. Participants will learn important job skills, meet employers, and have fun while staying at one of America’s most popular theme parks.

“We’re always looking for new ways to provide services and support,” commented Dan McManmon, President of CIP.  “We’ve heard great feedback and we’re very excited about the new initiatives we’ve put in place for this year.

“Our ongoing goal is to expand our cutting-edge services and support for the growing number of young adults with learning differences. Our staff works very hard to help ensure our students and families have great outcomes,” McManmon concluded.

CIP has recently published Autism and Learning Differences: An Active Learning Teaching Toolkit. Primarily authored by Dr. Michael McManmon, Toolkit contributors include Dr. Stephen Shore, Brenda Smith Myles, Ph.D, and Jennifer Cook O’Toole. The Toolkit is an in-depth instructional guide that provides tried-and-true strategies that address difficulties with social skills, executive function, and other challenges.

CIP provides comprehensive year-round services as well as short-term programs for students with autism and learning differences. The organization currently serves over 300 students annually with locations in Florida, Massachusetts, Indiana, and Northern and Southern California. To learn more visit www.cipworldwide.org or call 877-566-9247.