Post-Secondary Transition Program for Young Adults With Learning Disabilities
OPTIONS Transitions to Independence is a structured, college-connected program designed to help neurodiverse young adults build the academic, vocational, and independent living skills required for measurable adult independence.
Students live in real apartments, participate in internships and college coursework, and practice independence in real community environments.
Progress is measured through a structured three-phase progression model that gradually reduces support as competence grows.
Structured Bridge-to-Adulthood Model • Real College Access • Measurable Independence
A structured bridge-to-adulthood model • Three-phase independence progression • Real apartments + real community integration
Is a Post-Secondary Transition Program the Right Next Step After High School?
OPTIONS serves young adults ages 18–25 who have completed high school but benefit from continued structure while developing independence.
Many students have strong abilities but experience challenges with:
- executive functioning and organization
- applying learning strategies independently
- communication and self-advocacy
- managing college expectations
- daily living and decision-making
OPTIONS provides a structured transition program where students practice these skills in real academic, vocational, and residential environments.
Executive Functioning
College Readiness
Communication
Independent Living
Self-Advocacy
After High School, Ability Doesn’t Automatically Become Independence
Many capable students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and executive functioning challenges leave high school without the systems needed to manage college demands, work expectations, and daily life responsibilities. OPTIONS closes that gap with a structured, integrated program that builds real independence through guided practice in real adult environments.
Support fades intentionally as competence grows—progress is demonstrated, not assumed.
INDEPENDENCE IS BUILT THROUGH ONE INTEGRATED SYSTEM
At OPTIONS, independence is not taught in isolation. Our post-secondary transition program integrates academic coaching, independent living development, vocational experiences, and communication support into one coordinated system so the skills students learn transfer into real adult life.
Academic & Learning Support
Students build executive functioning strategies, study systems, and learning approaches through our college support program for students with learning disabilities that prepare them for college coursework, vocational training, or continued education while strengthening self-advocacy and independent learning skills.
Independent Living Development
Students live in apartment-style housing where they practice daily routines, financial responsibility, organization, and decision-making within our independent living program for young adults with learning disabilities, supported by coaching that gradually fades as independence and confidence increase.
Vocational Preparation
Through career exploration, internships, and job coaching in our vocational training program for young adults with learning disabilities, students develop workplace communication, reliability, and professional habits while gaining practical experience that supports long-term employment and adult independence.
A Three-Phase Model for Building Independence
Independence rarely develops all at once.
OPTIONS uses a structured three-phase transition model where support gradually fades as students demonstrate independence across academics, employment, and daily living.
Independence develops gradually.
Students move through three phases as responsibility increases and support fades.
Each phase focuses on developing measurable independence across academics, employment, and daily living.
01 STANDARD PHASE
Structured support across academics, independent living,
and vocational development.
02 MODIFIED PHASE
Students increase independence and participate more actively
in college coursework or employment.
03 EXTENSION PHASE
Students function with greater autonomy while preparing
for life beyond OPTIONS.
Learn how students progress as support fades and independence increases.
Individualized Support Services
No two students follow the same path to independence.
OPTIONS provides individualized support services that strengthen communication, learning, and executive functioning skills across academics, employment, and daily living environments.
These services are integrated into each student’s program to ensure that strategies developed in specialized sessions transfer into real-world situations.
These services ensure that students develop the communication, learning, and executive functioning skills required for college, employment, and adult life.
Speech & Language Support
Speech & Language Support Effective communication is essential for independence.
Speech and language services at OPTIONS focus on social communication, language processing, and self-advocacy skills through our speech and language support for young adults with learning disabilities. Support may include individual sessions, group work, and integrated coaching across program environments.
Cognitive Development Through the Arrowsmith Program
Cognitive Development Through the Arrowsmith Program For students who qualify, OPTIONS offers the Arrowsmith Program for young adults — a cognitive training approach designed to strengthen attention, processing, memory, and learning efficiency. Arrowsmith exercises are embedded into a student’s schedule and coordinated with academic and life-skills programming to support overall learning development. Participation is based on individual readiness and program fit.
These services ensure that students develop the communication, learning, and executive functioning skills required for college, employment, and adult life.
A College-Connected Environment — Not a Simulated Campus
OPTIONS students live and learn in the Carbondale community with access to:
- Southern Illinois University
- John A. Logan College
- community internships and employers
- public transportation systems
- campus culture and community life
Students practice independence in the same environments they will use after graduation.
A College-Connected Environment — Not a Simulated Campus
OPTIONS students live and learn in the Carbondale community with access to:
- Southern Illinois University
- John A. Logan College
- community internships and employers
- public transportation systems
- campus culture and community life
Students practice independence in the same environments they will use after graduation.
Who OPTIONS Is Designed to Support
OPTIONS serves capable young adults ages 18–25 who have completed high school but benefit from additional structure while developing independence.
Many students have strong abilities but continue to experience challenges with organization, executive functioning, communication, or independent living.
OPTIONS supports students with:
- Specific Learning Disabilities
- ADHD
- Autism Spectrum Differences (Level 1)
- Executive Functioning Challenges
- Speech and Language Differences
- Processing speed or memory differences
Admissions decisions are based on program readiness, motivation, and overall fit.
Wondering If OPTIONS Is the Right Fit?
Choosing the next step after high school can feel overwhelming.
Our admissions team helps families understand whether a structured post-secondary transition program is the right path and whether OPTIONS is a good match for their student.
Conversations are informal, confidential, and designed to help you make an informed decision.
Families are not expected to decide immediately. Most begin with a conversation to determine whether OPTIONS is an appropriate next step.
Why Families Across the U.S. Choose OPTIONS
OPTIONS is designed specifically for young adults who benefit from structure while translating ability into independence.
Families choose OPTIONS because of our integrated model:
- Structured three-phase progression toward independence
- Real apartment living rather than simulated campus housing
- Integrated academic, vocational, and life-skills instruction
- Speech and language development embedded in daily programming
- College-connected environment with real community access
- Weekly team-based progress monitoring and individualized planning
I used to be rebellious. I didn’t care about much. I was depressed a lot. When I came to OPTIONS, things really turned around for me and everything got better. I have a great internship that I can build into a career, as well as a new attitude and a great outlook on life.
After struggling with parochial school, I was diagnosed with ADD and OCD. Soon after, I began attending Brehm and OPTIONS, which helped me through community college and then Southern Illinois University. Thanks to the lessons I’ve learned from Brehm and OPTIONS, I’m only the second person in my family to graduate from college.
The OPTIONS Campus
A Snapshot of Our Learning & Living Community
OPTIONS is located in Carbondale, Illinois, and designed specifically to support young adults transitioning from high school to independent adult life. Our campus model prioritizes proximity, safety, and real-world independence.
Students enroll at OPTIONS from across the United States to participate in a structured post-secondary transition program.
Years supporting neurodiverse young adults in post-secondary transition
Typical age range of participants
Program Phases structured progression toward independence
Academic Pathways College Transition Track & Vocational Track
%
Apartment-Based Living real-world housing model with structured support
%
Team-Based Support staff collaborate to coordinate programming
Where Progress Happens When Other Paths Fall Short
OPTIONS supports young adults who need a different approach after high school. Our program combines structure, individualized support, and real-world practice so growth translates into daily life.
Skills and Confidence Students Develop
- Stronger reading fluency, comprehension, and academic confidence
- Greater comfort and success with math and written expression
- Improved focus, engagement, and task follow-through
- Lifelong strategies for goal-setting, planning, and independence
- Improved executive functioning and self-advocacy
- Deeper understanding of how they learn — and how to advocate for themselves
- Confidence in personal strengths, interests, and talents
- Improved emotional regulation and energy management
- Meaningful friendships and healthy social connections
- Authentic self-expression and personal growth
Real-World Outcomes Students Work Toward
- Successful transition to college coursework
- Competitive employment or supported employment
- Independent apartment living
Is OPTIONS the Right Fit for Your Young Adult?
OPTIONS is designed for capable young adults who are ready to move forward after high school but benefit from structured support while developing independence.
Students Who Typically Thrive at OPTIONS
- have completed high school but are not fully ready for independent college life
- benefit from structured support while building executive functioning and independence
- are capable of college coursework, vocational training, or employment with guidance
- are motivated to develop independent living skills and adult responsibility
- can participate in a community-based residential program
OPTIONS May Not Be the Right Fit If a Student
- requires intensive clinical or behavioral support
- is not ready to participate in a community-based environment
- is unwilling to work toward increasing independence and responsibility
Determining the Right Next Step After High School Can Feel Overwhelming
OPTIONS helps families evaluate whether a structured transition program is the right next step.
Speak with our admissions team to begin the application process for a post-secondary transition program, ask questions, and determine whether OPTIONS is the right fit for your young adult.
Admissions consultations are confidential and designed to help families understand their options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a post-secondary transition program?
A structured program after high school that helps young adults build independent living, vocational, and academic skills through guided practice and individualized support.
Who is a good fit for OPTIONS?
Young adults ages 18–25 with learning disabilities or related profiles who benefit from structure while developing independence.
Do students take college classes?
When appropriate, students may enroll in courses at local colleges with structured support and coaching.
How long do students stay in the program?
Program length varies depending on individual goals, readiness, and progress through the three-phase model.
How do we start the admissions process?
Families typically begin by scheduling a consultation with the admissions team to discuss readiness, goals, and program fit.