Admissions

The admissions process typically requires submission of educational records (including current IEP or 504 plan), psychological and educational evaluations, medical records and immunization history, autism diagnosis documentation, and any relevant behavioral assessments or reports. Our admissions team will provide you with a checklist and guidance on how to gather required documentation. We’re here for you, every step of the way!

The admissions timeline varies depending on individual circumstances and the availability of necessary documentation. Generally, from the time of your initial inquiry to our review and admission decision, it may take anywhere from several weeks to a few months. We will work as efficiently as possible while also making sure that we thoroughly understand each student’s needs. Our team believes in frequent, clear communication; we’ll keep you informed throughout the process, and work in the context of your family’s needs and timelines as much as possible.

Yes! Anderson Center for Autism is approved as an autism program for students from multiple states through various state departments and agencies. In fact, many of our residents actually come from other parts of the United States!  Contact our admissions team to confirm whether we can accept students from your specific state, and we can discuss what funding arrangements might look like for your geographic location.

Funding for residential autism programs typically comes from school districts as part of a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). In some cases, however, state agencies, Medicaid waivers, or private insurance may contribute to or cover funding needs. Our admissions team has extensive experience working with various funding sources, and will make sure you’re well-informed. Once we identify/clarify which funding source(s) will work best for your family, we’ll help navigate the financial process involved with full-time residential autism program placement.

Absolutely! We strongly encourage families and school district representatives to visit our campus before applying. Many are awestruck by the natural serenity of our property, friendly atmosphere, use of sophisticated technology in our classrooms, and the deliberate design of residences, which promote safety and well-being for our autistic students and residents.  Virtual self-guided tours are available online, but campus visits do help families determine if Anderson Center is the right fit for their child or young adult, so we recommend that you consider a trip to our beautiful Hudson Valley soon.

Once a student is accepted, we begin transition planning immediately. This includes orientation sessions for you and your family, coordinating with your student’s current school or program, developing an individualized plan for your loved one’s arrival, scheduling a pre-admission visit if you wish, and preparing our residential and educational teams with the insights and information needed to help your child or young adult thrive on every level. We know that this is a significant moment in your family’s story, and we’re deeply committed to doing all we can to make this transition as smooth as possible for you.

Because we maintain a rolling admissions schedule, students gain acceptance and get started in our autism program at various times throughout the year. Timing largely depends on our availability and individual circumstances for each family. Once a student has been accepted, we begin the process of working with families and school districts to determine the ideal start date. Some may begin at a natural transition point, such as the start of a school year, while others may have their “first day” mid-year. No matter what the official start date might be, we want you and your family to feel comfortable and at home from the moment you become part of our Anderson Center for Autism community.