South Middlesex Times

Adjusting to college life can be a challenging transition for any first-year student, particularly for individuals on the autism spectrum.

To facilitate this adjustment and foster meaningful human connections, Rutgers University–New Brunswick offers specialized peer mentoring through the College Support Program (CSP). The CSP, managed by the Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services under the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, provides support for neurodiverse students to help them succeed both academically and socially.

Josh Garfinkel, a junior at Rutgers–New Brunswick and a mentee in the program, described his experience as more focused on forming friendships than receiving guidance. "What I like about the program is that we get to hang out and do different activities every week," said Garfinkel, a Somerset resident majoring in communications with a focus on technology and minoring in sociology. "It gives you a chance to step away from your academics and gives you time to de-stress. You need to have some fun."

CSP peer mentors are undergraduate and graduate student volunteers trained to engage regularly with CSP students, staff, and other peer mentors. Alyssa Nielsen, one such mentor who spends time with Garfinkel, initially thought her role would be more about guiding students through their college experience. “You’re meeting with them weekly, going out to lunch, dinner, even just going to the library and studying,” said Nielsen. “My role is more so of a friendship than a mentor.”

The College Support Program serves full- and part-time undergraduate students attending Rutgers–New Brunswick. CSP students are encouraged to spend time at the center—a dedicated space meant as a hub for relaxation, connection-making, and community building.

“We're here to support students who are primarily on the autism spectrum,” said Erin Walker, senior coordinator of CSP at the Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services. Walker noted that starting this fall, CSP has expanded its services to include students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder as well as autism.

Keya Pai, assistant coordinator of CSP and former peer mentor, emphasized that peer mentors meet weekly with their assigned CSP student at mutually preferred times and places. Additionally, they attend monthly social events designed to foster community bonds.

“Peer mentors are undergraduate and graduate students who volunteer in our program to support and understand our community better,” Pai said. She highlighted that many mentors have personal connections or career aspirations related to neurodiversity.

For CSP students like Garfinkel considering graduate school, these interactions provide valuable social experiences. "Making and maintaining friendships in college can be challenging," he said. "The social dynamics are complex... It's not just about forming connections but also nurturing those relationships."

Garfinkel added that the program helped him develop skills for greater independence: “People with disabilities like autism have trouble transitioning from high school life into college life... These peer mentors ease the transition.”

Nielsen acknowledged that sometimes roles between mentor and mentee reverse: “They help me on what I'm going through.” She described Garfinkel as kind-hearted and supportive.

Overall, Garfinkel affirmed that spending time with peer mentors has significantly enriched his university experience: “It really has made a tremendous impact on my college experience because it was very hard to adjust... It’s helped me succeed overall here at Rutgers.”

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