For 21-year-old Carson Caldera, studying at Saddleback College isn’t just an academic achievement, but a significant triumph of independence. Carson, who has autism, has always dreamed of attending college independently, but his path was anything but traditional. After graduating from Tesoro High School, he enrolled in the STEPS program at his school, a special needs initiative designed for students like him who may not thrive in typical classes.
“Carson’s dream was always to go to college, even though it wasn’t clear how he’d get there,” his mother, Camille, shares. “We’ve tried various strategies, and with a lot of support, he’s made it.” From an early age, Carson showed a proclivity for being social and physically active, a stark contrast to the common perceptions of autism. He has even played baseball in the World Series of Special Needs, and Camille and her husband — who coached special needs sports — knew Carson had the potential to thrive in a supportive environment.
Carson’s journey continued through a collaboration with the Capistrano Unified School District in the Adult Transition Program (ATP) where he could gain life skills and work toward independence. “He needed more than just academics,” Camille explains. “He thrives in settings where he gets real-world experience.”
Carson’s program at Saddleback College offers a unique blend of academic and life skills classes for students with special needs. Twice a week, Carson participates in adaptive sports, takes life skills courses, and has independent study sessions. “He’s so proud to say, ‘I go to college,’” Camille says. “And he does it all on his own — no mom trailing behind.”
Michael Hoggatt, a counselor in the Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) department at Saddleback, explains that programs like ATP are essential in helping students like Carson transition from high school to college.
”The ATP gives students the support they need until they are ready for more independence, often by attending college classes,” Hoggatt says. Carson is one of many students in this program who benefit from the personalized assistance offered through DSPS, including accommodations like adaptive furniture, note-taking services, and extended testing time.
The key to Carson’s success has been the seamless integration of academic learning and life skills. “He’s learned everything from personal safety to vocational skills, and now he’s even offering to help others find their way around campus,” Camille says. “He’s not just going to school — he’s living it.”
Carson has also gained confidence by interacting with peers who share similar experiences. In the classroom, friends provide gentle corrections when he misses social cues, such as sarcasm, allowing him to grow and refine his social skills. His resilience is a testament to the importance of community. “These programs let them all grow together,” Camille says. “It’s beautiful to watch.”
With his graduation from the ATP program just around the corner, Carson is excited about his next steps. He plans to continue taking classes at Saddleback, with an eye toward a future in nursing. His journey, supported by programs like DSPS and ATP, proves that with the right resources, students with special needs can achieve their dreams of independence and success — both in college and in life.