Is Stevens Institute of Technology a good school for students on the autistic spectrum??
Asking as a parent with a sun with the aforementioned condition.
How would you compare it to simmaler schools like WPI or RPI??
I would say engineering in general, at any ABET accredited school, isn’t a good choice for one with autism or most types of developmental disabilities. Engineering and hard (quantitative) science require a great deal of concentrated effort and analytical reasoning. While I am not an expert by any means on autism, technological universities such as Stevens and the others you named have an intense and fast moving curriculum- averaging 17-20 credits a semester in math, physics, engineering, and many other quantitative subjects. IMO anything that impedes the learning process will put the student at a significant disadvantage in this environment.
While I agree that the curriculum is intense and fast moving, I would disagree that it is an inappropriate choice for someone on the autism spectrum. You know your son and what he is capable of. Visit the campus, talk to some students and professors. Some on the spectrum may not be able to manage it, but others may thrive in such a technology-focused environment. Only you and your son can make that choice.
Lots of kids on the spectrum don’t have problems with the academics, but rather life and social skills or self advocating and/or time management. Everything depends on your child specifically. If your son needs more formal support, look at RIT which has a spectrum support program. https://www.rit.edu/studentaffairs/ssp/
I have an 11th grader with Aspergers, Dysgraphia and ADD/ADHD. That said, I think his executive function deficit will be his Achilles heel in college. Pursuing CS. Has the scores for Stevens but I wonder whether it is LD-friendly/supportive. Not much on their website.
Very valid concern! My ds1 attended a ranked engineering program on scholarship but his Aspie nature caused him to ultimately fail to thrive (he’s successfully working in the engineering field-go figure). @siegward it’s an important question and one I hope is answered. We liked it when we visited with ds2 but I share your concern. Best wishes!
@DCD123 - The Stevens website provides information on accomodations for students with learning disabilities, as described on the page for the Office of Disability Services:
https://www.stevens.edu/directory/office-disability-services
By federal law, universities must provide reasonable accomodations for students with learning and other types of disabilities.
Note that the page emphasizes students must satisfy the academic requirements of their courses and program, and accomodations cannot jeopardize the academic integrity of the course. The office requires that the student submit a formal evaluation of the disability from a qualified professional and what type of accomodations would be suitable.