Implementing a Communication Coaching Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Postsecondary Education.

This article describes the operation of a Communication Coaching Program, which was designed to provide supports for students with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) attending the University of Rhode Island. To succeed in college programs, many students with ASDs need access to specialized programming and personnel who are able to foster their success in both social and academic venues. The Communication Coaching Program has utilized the principles of individualization, evolution, and relevance over the 5 years of its existence. Disability counselors, along with communication coaches and peer coaches, provide students with ASDs opportunities to receive the explicit teaching and guided practice of social-communication and executive functioning skill sets that are keys to successful retention and graduation from postsecondary education. Insights gleaned from 5 years of programming are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]