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 adult life.
Students live in real apartments, participate in internships and college coursework, and develop measurable independence within a structured three-phase progression model.
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
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 develop executive functioning strategies, study systems, and learning approaches that prepare them for college coursework, vocational training, or continued education.
Independent Living Development
Students develop executive functioning strategies, study systems, and learning approaches that prepare them for college coursework, vocational training, or continued education.
Vocational Preparation
Students develop executive functioning strategies, study systems, and learning approaches that prepare them for college coursework, vocational training, or continued education.
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.
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 that help students navigate college coursework, workplace expectations, and everyday interactions.
Support may include individual sessions, group work, and integrated coaching across program environments.
Cognitive Development Through the Arrowsmith Program
For students who qualify, OPTIONS offers the Arrowsmith Program — a cognitive training approach designed to strengthen specific learning processes related to 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.
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.
A Three-Phase Model for Building Independence
Independence develops gradually.
Students move through three phases as responsibility increases
and support fades.
Progression is based on demonstrated independence,
not time in the program.
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.
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.
Why Families 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.
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
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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.
Through the OPTIONS program, students work toward:
- Stronger reading fluency, comprehension, and academic confidence
- Improved focus, engagement, and task follow-through
- Greater comfort and success with math and written expression
- Deeper understanding of how they learn — and how to advocate for themselves
- Meaningful friendships and healthy social connections
- Greater comfort and success with math and written expression
- Confidence in personal strengths, interests, and talents
- Lifelong strategies for goal-setting, planning, and independence
- Improved emotional regulation and energy management
- Authentic self-expression and personal growth
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 learn more about the 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?
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.
