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P3: Parents, Peers, and Professionals

P3 is a support program designed to assist autistic and other neurodivergent students in navigating the ins and outs of college. We focus on the social and emotional support for students who live and learn a little differently, introducing students to all the wonderful experiences that SUNY Canton has to offer! There are three main components of this program:

Parents

The Parent Partnership portion of this program is designed to help parents and caregivers support their Autistic and neurodivergent students in a developmentally appropriate way. Some autistic and neurodivergent students are completely prepared for college, are well-versed in self-advocacy, and rarely need assistance. Others are still relying heavily on their parents to give them the same type of support that they received in high school. Studies have found that college students of over-involved parents report feeling less satisfied with family life and have lower levels of psychological well-being. Coming to college is a transition for students and families alike, and this portion of P3 is created to help ease those growing pains for all.

An initial Parent/Guardian meeting will take place in August, prior to the start of the semester. With a signed FERPA release, parents and guardians will be invited to communicate with the P3 professional staff when there is a concern. Open communication between students, family, and staff is encouraged.

PEERS®

The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) is a world-renowned curriculum that provides evidence-based social skills programs to preschoolers, adolescents, and young adults who are interested in developing and maintaining close friendships and/or romantic relationships.

P3 students will be offered weekly classes to help practice social skills to build friendships. Each participant will have a designated Peer Mentor. The Peer Mentor will help practice the social skills learned in class and provide some social “cushion” in new environments.

Professionals

The students in the P3 program will have professional staff to assist and guide them through their college career. This is already happening on campus – SUNY Canton values staff/student relationships, and they often happen organically. This program will be more intentional but will give a sense of belonging and support. Weekly meetings with a professional staff member will help ensure that academic progress is being maintained. These meetings will also assist in connecting students with the appropriate offices that handle other important parts of college: course registration, housing lotteries, financial aid paperwork completion, etc.

For inquiries about the program, please contact Megan Riedl, riedlm@canton.edu, or call 315-386-7392.

P3 Program Application

Student Accessibility Services

 

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