Spectrum Transition Program

Corporate Headquarters 7655 E. Gelding Drive, Suite A-3, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260 Phone (480) 443-7331; Fax (480) 998-1046

Introduction Spectrum College Transition Program, a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation, was founded in 2008 by O. Robin Sweet and Dr. Thomas A. Bloom, as a natural segue from their K-12thgrade private day school, Gateway Academy. National research and feedback from Arizona State University Disability Services and numerous national and local colleges support the founders belief that students with Asperger’s Syndrome and High Functioning Autism would be able to succeed academically in a post secondary environment, but they would not be able to handle the social world associated with college living. On a personal note, they also have a teenage son with Asperger’s Syndrome. With this in mind, Spectrum was born! The entire philosophy behind Spectrum is to provide a home-away-from-home environment that will assist young men and women to learn to live away from home and successfully participate in a postsecondary environment. This living environment is set up, so that, when students need support, it is immediately available to them. Spectrum provides two Residential Directors who are available 24/7, and are responsible for providing student meals; transportation to and from their education program; overseeing and offering “reminders and tools” for taking ownership of their medication; establishing a safe environment in our onsite Water Park and Recreation area; and work in conjunction with our Program Director. Spectrum’s Program Director is responsible for academic and social programming. The Program Director oversees the onsite and offsite tutorial programs, social success programs, and group therapy. The Program Director also supports the need to be on time for class and class attendance, and is a close liaison with local postsecondary programs, and oversees our students individual education program and specific needs. Spectrum has retained two therapists that specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which is a therapeutic program endorsed by psychologists, therapists and psychiatrists treating children and adults with Asperger’s Syndrome and High Functioning Autism. Spectrum’s intent is to be the premier residential provider for this wonderfully unique student population. For more information, please contact our Corporate Office at 480-443-7331! Thank you for your time and consideration!

Mission Statement Providing a supportive, residential, post-secondary program for young men with Asperger’s Syndrome and High Functioning Autism, who need assistance academically, socially, and emotionally. We collaborate with existing organizations to provide an alternative environment to accommodate the needs of young men with Aspergers Syndrome (AS) by facilitating academic tutorial services, social skills, and skill-building, small group sizes, and a sensory integrated environment. We encourage students with AS to feel comfortable with their uniqueness, while helping them learn the skills they need to develop meaningful relationships with others and cope with a variety of social situations in a safe, supportive environment.

Core Values Caring: We listen and respond to individual and community needs with compassion and respect. Community: Spectrum CTP is a member of a diverse community. We work together to make a difference to one another and to all we serve. Integrity:  We create trust and good will through honesty, accountability, and ethical conduct. Learning: We facilitate the acquisition of knowledge through study, creativity, experience and application. We encourage a commitment to lifelong learning. Quality: We are committed to excellence in academics, community service and creative change. We strive toward quality outcomes that are mutually beneficial. Spectrum offers a support system specifically designed for students with Asperger’s Syndrome and High Functioning Autism.  Professional staff exceed the basic tutoring, counseling, residential, and recreational supports. Our Focus is helping to provide the following tools and strategies to each individual student: Organizational skills Time management Cause and effect in social interaction Taking perspective and understanding context Interpreting social situations We assist students in developing an understanding of their learning styles, social norms, and how to live independently.

Program Features Located in beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona Furnished 1 - 4 bedroom suites with Internet access Sensory Friendly Cuisine On-site Water Park Exercise room Media room Common Room with Wi-Fi Computer/Tutoring lab Laundry

Activities and Events Planned events include trips to Sedona, Tuscon, Herberger Theatre, Museums, bowling and movie nights, biking and hiking trips are just a few activities to take part in. Students have access to our beautiful pool, track, and rock climbing wall. Students will also get a safety overview and tour of the area, which include Spectrum facilities.

Academic and Life Success Weekly classes teach executive functioning, sensory integration and social thinking skills such as perspective taking and cause and effect. Other curriculum includes self-advocacy, organizational skills, study skills, career exploration, workplace skills, and an introduction to college life. Students will gain life skills such as cooking instruction and healthy food choices, time management, laundry and cleaning. Additional instruction will target the importance of maintaining overall well-being with a balance of diet, fitness, personal hygiene and stress management.

School Directors Residential Directors Marq and Alexis Youmagul were childhood sweethearts; Alexis attended Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, and Marq attended Capital University in Ohio. Ultimately, both ended up graduating from the University of Illinois Chicago majoring in psychology. Alexis has a teenage brother with Asperger’s Syndrome and Marq has spent over fourteen years involved with the growth and development of her brother. Alexis loves cooking, photography, reading and real estate. Marq’s interests are music and sports. We are honored to have them as an integral part of Spectrum!

Admissions Process Admissions Criteria Presenting Diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome, High-Functioning Autism, PDD-NOS. Average Verbal IQ  Emotional, behavioral, and psychological stability Motivated to participate  Potential to live and attend college or specialty program independently Ages typically 17 to 24 years old

Admissions Procedure The admissions process is broken down into four basic parts: Phone Contact, Referral, Interview, and Admission. Preliminary discussion with the Admissions Director regarding programming and student needs. Completed Application and Reference forms. Psycho-educational testing results (ie Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale) Academic records (Transcripts, Testing, ie Woodcock-Johnson, Wide Range Achievement Test, Peabody Individual Achievement Test).

Interview All students will be interviewed on campus by members of the Admissions Committee, which may include: the Executive Director, Program Director, and/or Residential Directors. The interview helps to determine the applicant’s motivation, emotional and behavioral stability, goals for the future and communication skills. A decision will generally be made within 7-10 days of the interview as to whether or not our program can meet the needs of the applicant. If the Admissions Committee determines that the referred student is appropriate for admission, a contract, medical forms and a Student Handbook will be sent to the applicant. You will be informed of our decision by phone and letter. Also, upon acceptance you will receive a Registration Packet including information about Spectrum College Transition Program and the mandatory forms that need to be completed and returned.

Admission Once a student is accepted, and the required deposit has been received, an admission date can be established. Students must be accepted into a program of study at a local college, university, or specialty program. Students may be admitted into Spectrum College Transition Program at any time during the academic year. Admission is based upon availability. *New students are required to bring a laptop with a wireless internet card.

2009-2010 Financial Policy Fee Schedule The $100 application fee, which is submitted with a student’s application, is non-refundable. A $400 non-refundable registration fee is due upon confirmed placement. Annual tuition is $45,000, and includes room, meals, utilities, weekly therapy, tutoring, and all support services. 2009 Summer Session tuition is $9,000 or $4,500 per month, and includes room, meals, utilities, weekly therapy, tutoring, and all support services, and goes towards the annual tuition, if the student continues. The tuition for year round program and/or 2009 Summer Session may be paid in the following ways: • In one payment of $45,000 upon admission; or in one payment of $9,000 for Summer Or • In ten equal payments of $4,500, due on the 1st of each month, August through May, inclusive, and is non-refundable; or 2009 Summer Session may be paid in two, $4,500, monthly installments, and goes towards the annual tuition, if the student continues. Monthly tuition payments not made by the 5th of each month are delinquent and a late fee of $50 per student will be added to those past due accounts each month. Withdrawal Policy: Tuition, if paid monthly, is nonrefundable. Tuition, if paid in full, will be prorated based upon the number of months remaining. There will be a $100 penalty for any and all returned checks. Outstanding accounts will be reviewed regularly. If an account becomes past due, the student may be excluded from the residence until the balance is paid in full. Questions concerning financial policy should be directed to the Executive Director. Fees and programs are subject to change without notice. Spectrum College Transition Program admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.

Apply! Please make sure you fully complete all pages, including any attached materials. If you have questions along the way, please contact us so that we may assist you. “click here to download the application enrollment form" “click here to download the reference form" “click here to download the psychological testing form" Application Process Fill out our application and please include a $100 processing fee. Completed forms can be mailed to: Spectrum College Transition Program Admissions Committee 7655 E. Gelding Drive, Suite A-3 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Need Assistance? Our Admissions staff is available Monday-Friday between 8am - 4pm Mountain Time. Contact us at 480-443-7331. It is the policy of the Spectrum College Transition Program to admit and treat all individuals without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin or sexual preference.