College Autism Network

The College Autism Network (CAN) is an organization linking varied stakeholders engaged in evidence-guided efforts to improve access, experiences, and outcomes for postsecondary students with autism. CAN has a three-part mission: research, training and advocacy.

We plan an annual event, the College Autism Summit, that brings together practitioners, scholars, employers and self-advocates to advance one another’s efforts to support autistic college students as they transition into college, move successfully toward completion, and transition into the workforce and successful independent living.

CAN is pleased to offer, free of charge, a database of autism-specific college support programs for prospective students and families seeking a high level of institutional support.

We also offer a free, online curriculum, Autism Career Empowerment (ACE), for career services professionals interested in learning how to better support autistic students with whom they work.

CANVAS is our CAN Virtual Association of Scholars, an international hub and list-serv for sharing resources, articles and current research related to autism in higher education. CANVAS hosts monthly meetings with presentations by leading scholars.

CAN is proud to now be a part of the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation at Vanderbilt University and is excited to collaborate on these and other initiatives. For more information about our resources and initiatives, please visit the College Autism Network website or contact Lee Burdette Williams, Executive Director.