Admissions

Chapel Haven Schleifer Center offers a wide range of program options for adults, age 18 and older, who are seeking a happy, independent, and selfdirected life.
Chapel Haven Schleifer Center offers a wide range of program options for adults, age 18 and older, who are seeking a happy, independent, and selfdirected life.

Our core residential programs: Residential Education at Chapel Haven (REACH), Autism Supports and Transition (ASAT), and Connecting Adults to Chapel Haven (CATCH)—are based on our vibrant New Haven campus and provide structured pathways toward lifelong independence. We also offer day programming, weekend recreation, social communication therapy, and a variety of additional services for both Chapel Haven graduates and adults from the broader community.

Families interested in exploring our programs begin by contacting the Chapel Haven Office of Admissions at 203.397.1714 ext. 185 or admission@chapelhaven.org.

Our Admissions Process

Our admissions process is designed to give applicants and families a comprehensive and welcoming introduction to Chapel Haven Schleifer Center.

Applicants typically are:

  • Adults 18 years and older, with Autism Spectrum Level 1 disorders and related social disabilities or with mild intellectual and/or developmental disabilities
  • High school graduates or individuals completing transition services through their IEP
  • Emotionally and behaviorally stable
  • Motivated to pursue independent and productive adult lives

Our Admissions team brings deep experience and compassion to every step of the process. We understand that planning the next stage of adulthood can feel overwhelming. When you visit campus, our goal is to help you feel at ease, meet members of our community, and gain a clear understanding of our mission—empowering adults with developmental and social disabilities to live independent and self-determined lives.

We also offer a variety of tours and special events throughout the year, providing additional opportunities to learn about our programs and community.

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Admissions Steps

1 Review of IEPs, school reports, psychological evaluations, and reference calls

2 Virtual interview

3 Online application (includes a $52 application fee)

4 Sample day visit (includes campus tour if not previously completed)

5 4-day, 3-night “week visit” assessment for residential consideration (includes a $1,300 assessment fee)

Paths to Success

At Chapel Haven Schleifer Center, all roads lead to independence.
After two years in a structured residential setting, adults build strong social, vocational, and educational connections and view Chapel Haven as their longterm home.

There’s a reason why so many call it home.
80% of students who graduate one of our residential programs choose to stay on and become a Chapel Haven community member.

With more than 250 adults and growing, Chapel Haven offers one of the most robust, inclusive, and welcoming adult communities in the country. We are a caring, vibrant community, and we invite you to explore how Chapel Haven Schleifer Center may be the right fit for your family.

Explore Chapel Haven's Core Programs
ASAT (Autism Supports and Transition)

If the individual is primarily navigating social communication challenges, executive functioning, or low support autism needs (often with interest in college/employment focus)

Choose ASAT for targeted social and transition support.

REACH (Residential Education at Chapel Haven)

If the individual has broader intellectual/developmental disabilities, needs intensive life skills training (e.g., daily living, budgeting, community integration), and benefits from structured residential education.

Choose REACH, the flagship for foundational independence building.

CATCH (Connecting Adults to Chapel Haven)

If the individual is middle-aged/older and seeking connection to a supportive lifelong community (rather than initial transition), with emphasis on ongoing belonging and aging in place.

Choose CATCH to bridge into the Chapel Haven family.