Life Changing Affordability
When searching for life skills programs for neurodivergent teens or for those with autism, affordability is a key concern for many families. Transitions is committed to making our programs accessible to the families who need them most, which is why we strive to connect families with the resources they need for tuition and financial support for young adults with autism as well as those who are neurodivergent.
Making Transitions Affordable
Life skills programs for neurodivergent teens as well as those with autism like the ones offered by Transitions are invaluable resources for families. Whether teens and young adults need full-year programs, weekend experiences, or shorter camps, they can learn independent living skills, practice socializing with peer support, and even get help pursuing college admission or a career path.
Tuition support in the form of scholarships and financial aid is available for eligible families. Before deciding that Transitions is not financially within reach, families should explore all their financing options, as there are various options to help make Transitions affordable.
Full-Year Programs
Transitions offers full-year programs for neurodivergent young adults and teens with autism, and each program has its own unique focus, including:
- College track to help students prepare for and transfer to a four-year college
- Career track to help students choose and prepare for a career
- Arts, as part of the Imagine Academy for the Arts, which is an inventive, arts-focused program for young adults ages 18 and older who have autism and other learning differences
- Non-traditional student programs to help them develop social skills, health and wellness, independent life, self-management, self-advocacy and leadership skills for students aged 27 and older
Tuition for full-year programs includes room and board, transportation, participation in classes and activities, peer support, staff support, therapeutic support, and sensory and medical oversight.
Shorter Term Programs
Not all families or students want to commit to a year-long program, which is why Transitions offers the flexibility of shorter programs for some students. Shorter programs can also be more cost effective. Program options that are currently available include:
- Weekend Experiences: Transitions Weekend Experiences inspire high school students and young adults with learning differences to become more independent and build confidence living a fulfilled and productive life.
- One-Week: Weeklong Transitions experiences have a specific focus for the program for the week, such as social success, employment, arts, STEM, and more. Weeklong programs are available for residential students as well as day-only students.
- Summer Immersion: Transitions summer immersion programs last two or three weeks and can give students specialized attention toward either a college or career track.
Various Forms of Financial Aid
A range of tuition and financial benefits are available for young neurodivergent adults as well as those with autism who want to learn and practice life skills. Transitions encourages families and applicants to seek funding sources such as financial aid for college students and, if applicable, public funding such as supplemental security income (SSI), social security disability insurance (SSDI), vocational rehabilitation funding, school district funding, and the New York State Office for Persons with Developmental Disabilities funding.
Families may also want to look into federal and state grants, student employment assistance, payment plans, personal fundraising, and private scholarships.
Available Scholarships
Transitions offers several scholarships for eligible students, including merit scholarships that pay up to $5,500 per year for full-year students and up to $1,000 for Summer Immersion Experience sessions. These merit-based scholarships award students based on their potential to succeed at Transitions and the strength of a personal essay, which provides a sense of who they are and their dedication to their goals.
Medical Tax Deduction
The Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017, the CARES Act of 2020, and the American Rescue Plan of 2021 all have provisions designed to help families with children who have special needs. Included in these laws is a medical tax deduction that is available to families who send their children to a “special school” that specifically caters to their needs as neurodivergent individuals. Families should consult with a tax professional before taking this deduction, but time spent at a Transitions program may qualify for this deduction.
If your family could benefit from a Transitions program, do not hesitate to reach out to us and learn more. We can help you find ways to pay for Transitions so that you and your child can benefit from the tremendous support we have to offer.
