Admissions at OPTIONS
A Thoughtful Path Toward Independence
OPTIONS Transitions to Independence welcomes post-graduate young adults seeking to strengthen life skills, independence, and readiness for adult living. Admissions are conducted on a rolling basis, allowing flexibility in planning and enrollment.
Our admissions process is designed to be collaborative and transparent — focused on determining mutual fit and supporting long-term success.
Start with Exploration
We encourage families to begin by:
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Exploring our website and program pages
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Reviewing how OPTIONS supports independence across academics and daily living
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Reflecting on readiness for post-secondary transition
This foundation helps ensure conversations are productive, specific, and aligned.
How to Apply
Complete the Admissions Inquiry Form
The admissions process begins with filling out our online Admissions Inquiry Form, which helps us get to know you and your family better and to ensure that Brehm is the right fit for your child.
Send Necessary Documents
Send us your child’s current (within three years) neuropsychological evaluation along with supporting documents such as an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan (if applicable) via email or fax.
Schedule a Conversation
After reviewing your completed Pre-Admission Questionnaire we’ll contact you to set up a call with a member of our Admissions team. If you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to contact us.
Complete the Application Form
Our Admissions team will send a link to our online Application Form. Submit the application along with a $75 nonrefundable application fee.
Schedule a Campus Tour
After receiving your application, our admissions office will contact you to schedule a campus tour.
Schedule a Personal Interview
Interviews must be completed prior to the admission decision.
Questions and Support
At any point in the process, don’t hesitate to reach out to our director of Admissions for any questions and support throughout the application process.
Donna Collins
Director of Admissions
Phone: (618) 457-0371
Fax: (618) 529-1248
admissionsinfo@brehm.org
Scope of Neurodiversity
OPTIONS is committed to empowering neurodiverse young adults to reach their full potential.
To evaluate if OPTIONS meets your needs, please review the list below, which outlines the diagnoses we support.
Primary Diagnosis
Specific Learning Disabilities in reading, math, and writing. This includes Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia.
ADHD
Autism Spectrum – Level 1
Twice Exceptional
Executive Functioning Disorders
Speech and Language Impairment
Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder
Memory Disorder
Sensory Processing Disorder
Processing Speed Deficit
Nonverbal Learning Disability
Auditory Processing Disorder
Secondary Diagnosis
Auditory Processing Disorder
Anxiety Disorder
Depression
Tourette Syndrome
Admissions Tour
After your application is received, our Admissions office will contact you to schedule personal interviews and a campus tour. During your visit, you will discover first-hand how Brehm’s unique approach empowers students with the fresh perspectives and skills to recognize their full potential.
Travel Checklist:
Schedule your travel to provide plenty of time to reach Brehm and survey the area
Make sure you bring all requested documents
Prepare your questions and keep notes
Bring your walking shoes
Wear casual comfortable clothing
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.
