Ramapo College Ranked Among Top Autism Friendly Schools In US

MAHWAH, NJ - Ramapo College has been ranked as one of the best small colleges in the country for students on the autism spectrum.

The Mahwah school was the only one in New Jersey to make a list compiled by for the Applied Behavior Analysis Programs Guide of the top 30 best autism friendly colleges and universities in 2020.

Check out the full list here.

Applied Behavior Analysis selected schools with fewer than 10,000 students based on several factors, including specialized programs, scholarships, campus safety, financial support and overall autism friendliness.

The website also evaluated colleges' "It" factor, which is defined as "other offerings notable for students with autism," such as autism-related research programs and courses.

The ranking is meant to help the estimated 1.8 million to 2.6 million current college students with autism find the perfect school, according to ABA. Many of those students, ABA says, cannot attend large universities mostly because they can be "too big and overwhelming."

Ramapo College launched its ENHANCE Program in 2018, which is a therapeutic support program that strives to help students with Autism Spectrum Disorder to adapt and flourish in college and beyond.

Examples of support include: weekly group meetings, individualized weekly appointments with the program coordinator, special social events and peer mentor programs, according to its website.

“We are thrilled to be included in this list,” said Suzanne Calgi, LCSW, coordinator of Ramapo College’s, “We saw a need and created a program that fosters social inclusion, emotional and therapeutic growth and skill building to assist our students both in transitioning to college and having a college experience.”

Calgi also said, “It continues Ramapo’s mission of providing individualized attention for students. Students have a point of contact and a place to go when they need assistance.”