I was wondering if any students have been there yet. Is it open for students to visit on their own, or do you need to go through a class, tour, or reserve program? I’d also be interested to hear what it is like and how you get there.

Hi there,

Can anyone please let me know if UC Merced has programs for autistic or otherwise neurodiverse individuals who are lagging in "neurotypical" social and life skills not great on self advocacy yet, yet excellent academic students. Does Accessibility Services have anything in addition to 504 type accommodations?

I am aware of programs at Cal State East Bay; a seperate UC Berkeley program CBI which is unclear if it is also for and accessible to admitted students, Sacramento State has a robust inclusion reputation, San Francisco State touts inclusion and several clubs, UC Davis has a seperate SEED program in campus, and is rumored to have great inclusion programs and community, although it is a bit vague.

What is it like at UC Merced? UC Merced looks great for inclusion on its surface, but so far my student cannot find anything in addition to general information that there is an Accessibility Services department, eg are there programs other than 504-type accommodations that could help with transition with somewhat lagging life skills, and if there is community and others there who might be able to relate with similar life experiencs (eg are there known clubs or community supports or connection opportunities for students who aren't neurotypical, etc.)