The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

Learn the elements of a successful university autism support program that seeks to make university life more accessible to students with autism spectrum disorders through peer, residential, campus, and community supports. 1. Audience members will learn how the Midwestern State University Autism Support Program was conceived and facilitated in its first year.

The MSU ASP was conceived by students, for students, and is now being driven by students, save for one ex-student staff member. Understanding the program's humble beginnings will open audience members' minds to the possibilities that lie within their grasp to start a college program for students with autism spectrum disorders.

2. Session participants will grow in awareness of the necessary program changes that have been made since 2008.

Evaluations by student and staff participants each semester provide valuable insight as to necessary changes that need to be made to make university life more accessible for our students with high-functioning autism and Asperger's. Student feedback is essential to improving the resources available to students to help them succeed academically, socially, and in their independent living skills.

3. Participants will gain insight as to what elements are being utilized to increase accessibility to college supports and promote student success.

Session participants will hear about the current operations of the program and how improvements to the program since its inception have made it what it is today. Within the time allotted, attendees will briefly learn how the program meets the students academic, social, and life skill needs through peer, residential, campus, and community supports. Participants will hear humorous, sad, and challenging reflections on what the Director has learned from their student and staff participants on what does and doesn't work for our college students on the autism spectrum. 

4. Attendees will have concrete recommendations on how to better prepare and support students for postsecondary education.

By learning now what is necessary to succeed in college with an autism spectrum disorder, students and families can begin preparing for postsecondary options such as university life. Recommendations include

• students learning in eighth grade about college requirements so they can take appropriate classes in high school
• scaffolding independence through the medication maintenance by the student, for example
• developing self-advocacy skills in various capacities, at home and at school, so that students can request items for themselves when they are on their own
• collaborating with local vocational rehabiliation counselors on career and financial assistance

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