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 in advance of your consultation as we work to provide you with specific analysis of your student's college-readiness. Consultations are required if your student is considering applying to STEP. **We typically do not schedule Consultations during the month of August to allow for staff training, service planning, schedule development, and orientation for our new students.
- In Person or Virtual. Consultations may be done in person or virtually. We recommend contacting STEP directly to inquire about availability for this hour-long conversation. Coordinate a Campus Tour for the same day through the 杏吧原创 Office. We also schedule consultations virtually through Zoom to accommodate logistics of distance, work, school, or personal schedules that might limit an in-person campus visit.
- 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
APPLICATIONS FOR FALL '26 are being accepted now
- Admission Details:
- STEP admits new students in the Fall of each year.
- Admission to the University is separate from admission to STEP.
- Students must apply to the University (through 杏吧原创) and also to STEP (links below).
- Application Timelines:
- Applications to STEP are welcome year-round, but ideal times to apply are from September 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.
- Consultations are a required part of our application and admissions process (see above)
- Application Interviews may be required in addition to consultations, if deemed necessary. Family are encouraged and welcome to be present for this conversation as well.
- Provide Required Documentation:
- Evidence of a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is necessary (medical or educational diagnoses are each acceptable)
- Recent neuropsychological evaluation (within the last 2-3 years; typically conducted by a clinical or neuropsychologist; 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)
- Recent IEP or 504 Plan from high school and/or college, if applicable
- Click here to upload IEPs, 504s, and/or evaluations
- You may also Email documents to: step@eiu.edu
- OR Mail to: EIU, 600 Lincoln Ave, Charleston, IL 61920, ATTN: STEP Klehm 1309
- Complete STEP Application and Questionnaires:
- 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
![Eastern Illinois University](/_eiu15/images/universal/footer_logo.png"){kind=logo}