Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services (RCAAS)
Service - Training - Research
An integral component of GSAPP's Autism Training Hub, the Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services (RCAAS) delivers one‑of‑a‑kind programs that help adults on the autism spectrum build independent, fulfilling lives. At the same time, it advances research and prepares Rutgers graduates to enter careers supporting this underserved population. Staffed by an experienced clinical team and trained Rutgers students, RCAAS provides the comprehensive support needed for full integration into the university and surrounding community. Through vocational training, academic and social support, and clinical services, the Center equips participants with the tools to build and sustain autonomy—while driving innovative training and translational research to shape best practices for the future.
Supporting Community Access through Leisure and Employment (SCALE)
SCALE is the RCAAS's flagship day services program. Directed by Dr. James Maraventano, it focuses on supporting success in all aspects of adult life, such as employment, transportation, and relationships. SCALE is a life-long, year-round program and provides adults aged 21+ with a primary diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with supports that occur primarily in community-based settings. Program participants typically work up to five days per week in a variety of volunteer, part-time, and full-time jobs, on the Rutgers-New Brunswick campus and surrounding areas.
College Support Program (CSP)
The CSP is a cutting-edge program offering a range of comprehensive, tiered support services for neurodiverse RU-NB students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The program exists to enrich the college experience and promote the overall success of neurodivergent students with ASD and/or ADHD at all stages of their educational journey, from admission to graduation. A collaboration between two GSAPP Centers, the RCAAS and the CYSEW, the Rutgers CSP empowers neurodiverse students to thrive academically and interpersonally.
Listen to RU-School of Engineering recent grad describe how the CSP helped him to just that in this video clip!
Psychological Services Clinic (PSC)
The PSC is a specialty training clinic and unit within GSAPP. Directed by Dr. Joshua Cohen, the PSC operates with a two-fold mission: to provide clinical services to adults on the autism spectrum and to act as a training clinic for supervised graduate students to advance access to services for the adult autism community. The clinic emphasizes high-quality training of professionals to serve the underserved.
Intensive Outpatient Clinic (IOC)
Led by Dr. Julia Iannaccone, the IOC exists to help change the way that clinicians, medical doctors, and law enforcement collaborate to ensure that adults with autism and a history of potentially dangerous, severe, challenging behavior can be a part of their communities in a safe, inclusive way. Currently, the majority of these individuals and their families have nowhere to turn for assistance.
For more about the RCAAS