Higher Education, Higher Barriers: The Fight for Disability Support in Fairfax County
For many families in Virginia, sending a child with autism to college isn’t just about tuition—it’s about securing the essential support services that make higher education possible in the first place.
That’s why a proposed budget cut in Fairfax County is sparking concern. A program that currently helps college students with disabilities, including autism, could soon lose its public funding. Known for offering tailored academic and social support, this program has made college success a reality for dozens of local students—until now.
As a Fairfax County parent recently put it, the loss of this funding could mean needing an extra $20,000 a year just to keep a student with autism on track for graduation. And for many families, that’s simply not feasible.
What’s Being Cut—And Why It Matters
The program at the center of the debate, known as College Steps, provides students with individualized academic coaching, tutoring, and peer support while they attend regular college classes. It’s designed specifically for students with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum, who may need extra help with coursework, executive functioning, or social navigation in the college environment.
Under the current setup, families pay college tuition, but Fairfax County has been covering the cost of these specialized support services—up to $20,000 per student per year.
Now, facing a $300 million budget shortfall, county officials are proposing to eliminate this funding, affecting at least 68 students.
Families are alarmed, and for good reason. Without this support, many students may be forced to drop out of college or struggle through classes without the tools they need to succeed.
The Broader Issue: Autism Support Doesn’t End at High School
This situation is a powerful reminder that autism doesn’t disappear when a student turns 18. In fact, the transition to adulthood is often one of the most challenging phases for individuals on the spectrum—and their families.
From job coaching and social skill development to continued educational support, young adults with autism often need just as much, if not more, structured guidance after high school. And when those services are suddenly stripped away, it can have lasting consequences.
While local budget decisions can feel frustratingly out of our control, they also highlight a bigger truth: families need reliable access to comprehensive, ongoing support at every stage of the autism journey.
How We Help: ABA Programs in Virginia for Lifelong Support
At Storybook, we understand that support can’t stop just because a child grows older. That’s why our ABA programs in Virginia are designed to grow with your child, offering individualized care that evolves with their needs—whether they’re learning to communicate, gaining independence, or preparing for adulthood.
We work with families to develop evidence-based treatment plans that build practical, real-world skills. Our focus is not just on academics, but on helping children and young adults navigate life confidently—at school, at work, and in their communities.
Virginia Families Deserve Better—and More Reliable—Support
Fairfax County’s situation is a wake-up call for how fragile some essential services really are. If you’re concerned about losing access to programs that make a real difference in your child’s life, it’s crucial to have a trusted support team in your corner.
Get in touch today to learn how our ABA programs in Virginia can support your child at any age, and give your family the peace of mind that meaningful, individualized care doesn’t have to be out of reach.
