Inquiries and Consultations Welcome!
If you are thinking about STEP services for your student but aren't sure if this is the right next step, please contact us for a conversation or consultation. We welcome your questions and are happy to talk about possibilities. Many families want to ask about differences between high school and college classes, what an autism/neurodivergent support program does and how that is different from traditional academic accommodations, and what kind of other supports might be available on campus. Most importantly, families often want to share their concerns, goals, and experiences as they consider whether their student is 'transition-ready' for the college campus environment. We are happy to talk about these and many other aspects of the academic and social aspects of college life and welcome visits or inquiries year-round.
- Inquiries are welcome at any time. These might be short phone calls, email exchanges, or stop-in visits. Our goal is to answer essential questions you may have about STEP, give you the opportunity to share general information about student, and prepare for next steps.
- Consultations are more in-depth and require scheduling for at least an hour of time. Ideally we are meeting with the student as well as parents. Although not essential, it is preferable to have copies of at least some of the student's educational records or other evaluations we work to provide you with a more specific analysis of your student's college-readiness. Consultations can be especially helpful if your student is considering applying to STEP.
- In Person or Virtual. Some families like to coordinate a Campus Tour through the EIU Admissions office and then arrange to visit STEP on the same day. See this campus map with STEP located in Klehm Hall Yet other families arrange for a Zoom Meeting to work around the logistics of distance, work, school, or personal schedules.
- Preparing to Apply to STEP. Visits and Consultations also provide us with an opportunity to share our philosophy and approach. STEP works to facilitate self-regulation through development of executive functions and strategic communication. Our professional backgrounds and experience emphasize transition skills and self-regulation within the demands of the collegiate environment with an eye to life beyond the university.
- Contact: Call 217-581-6361, or Email us at step@eiu.edu
APPLY NOW FOR FALL '25
- Application Timelines and Tasks:
- Admission to the University is separate from admission to STEP. Students must apply to the University (through Admissions) and also to STEP (links below).
- STEP admits new students in the Fall of each year. Applications to STEP are welcome year-round, but ideal times to apply are from July of the year before your student plans to start at EIU, through April of the year they plan to attend.
- STEP admissions are usually full by late March/early April unless we encounter unexpected openings, such as when a current student progresses faster than anticipated and therefore no longer needs support for the coming Fall term.
- Informational Visits (above) are a required part of our application and admissions process. Please schedule these as soon as practical for your family.
- Application Interviews may be required in addition to informational visits, if deemed necessary. Family are encouraged and welcome to be present for this conversation as well.
- Provide the Following Application Materials:
- Documentation/evidence of a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (medical or educational diagnoses are acceptable)
- Recent (within the last 3 years) neuropsychological evaluation (typically conducted by a clinical or neuropsychologist and would often include standardized assessments of cognitive processes such as attention, memory, reasoning, learning, verbal and perceptual skills, executive functions, and/or mood or adjustment)
- Copy of the most recent IEP or 504 Plan from high school and/or college (Click here to upload IEPs, 504s, and/or evaluations)
- Complete the STEP Application
- Complete the Parent/Guardian Questionnaire
- Complete the Student Questionnaire
- You may also Email documents to: step@eiu.edu OR Mail to EIU, 600 Lincoln Ave., Charleston, IL 61920, ATTN: STEP Klehm 1309
- Admission Decisions:
- Due to limited space in the program we are unable to offer a spot to all that apply. Visit and apply early!
- A holistic evaluation of a student's goodness of fit within the STEP program plays a primary role in the decision process.
- We strive to keep students and parents informed of our progress as we review and determine admission opportunities.
- Once decisions have been made students and parents will be notified by email.
- If admitted to STEP students and parents indicate their intent and commitment to enroll and participate in STEP by completing and returning the STEP Agreement form and the STEP Release form
Some funding provided in part by The Autism Program of Illinois
