AUTISTIC STUDENTS GET HELP NAVIGATING COLLEGE LIFE USA TODAY by Tony Mozzo and Kathy Tevelson

ASPERGER’S SYNDROME An autism spectrum disorder characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. It differs from other autism spectrum disorders by its relative preservation of linguistic and cognitive development. Although not required for diagnosis, physical clumsiness and atypical use of language are frequently reported. McPartland J, Klin A (2006). "Asperger's syndrome". Adolesc Med Clin 17 (3): 771–88. Wikipedia (2010).

ASPERGER’S SYNDROME (cont) The autism spectrum, also called autism spectrum disorders (ASD) or autism spectrum conditions (ASC), with the word autistic sometimes replacing autism, is a spectrum of psychological conditions characterized by widespread abnormalities of social interactions and communication, as well as severely restricted interests and highly repetitive behavior. Wikipedia, (2010).

AUTISIM IN HIGHER EDUCATION Students with Asperger’s or other autism-like disorders face new challenges in the college setting In addition to the difficulties with their studies, students with this syndrome have hampered communication and social skills They struggle with making friends and living more independently These students are more reluctant to ask for help

AUTISIM IN HIGHER EDUCATION (cont) “Achieving in Higher Education with Autism/Developmental Disabilities (AHEADD) develops individualized strategies to manage your college career. AHEADD is a private, community organization that provides support for higher education students with: – Learning Disabilities – High-functioning Autism (HFA) – Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) – Non-verbal Learning Disorder (NVLD) – Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)”

AUTISM IN HIGHER EDUCATION (cont) AHEADD Pilot Program began at Carnegie Melon University in Pittsburgh, PA

AUTISIM IN HIGHER EDUCATION (cont) Colleges and universities are aware of the difficulties students on the spectrum deal with as the first big wave of children diagnosed with autism-related disorders graduates from high school and moves into the university setting

AUTISIM IN HIGHER EDUCATION (cont) Colleges and universities make accommodations for students with disabilities, but they are not required by law to provide the level of services that students receive in kindergarten through 12 th grade College students MUST be their own advocates, which can be a surprise to them and their families

AUTISIM IN HIGHER EDUCATION (cont) Educational institutions are educating faculty and staff about autism-related disorders and the cost of their services For decades, the autism diagnosis was only given to students with severe language and social impairments In the 1990s, the autism umbrella expanded to include the milder related conditions known as autism spectrum disorders

AUTISIM IN HIGHER EDUCATION (cont) Currently 1 in 166 children is diagnosed with autism compared with 1 in 2,500 a decade ago Correspondingly, a surge has occurred in special education services for autistic children in elementary and high school students

AUTISIM IN HIGHER EDUCATION (cont) Students who were identified in the 1990s are now enjoying the benefits of that surge One college making strides is Marshall University, whose West Virginia Autism Training Center

THE PROGRAM’S IMPACT ON STUDENTS AND BENEFITS RECEIVED Students are given direction when dealing with issues of time management, social skills, and aides them with adjusting to college life - Its college program for student’s with Asperger’s Syndrome helps students with autism by pairing them with a graduate student

PROGRAM COSTS AND BENEFITS Students are required to pay $3200 for enrollment in the program; however, it allows the student to: Speak with advisors on a daily basis Have weekly contact with their professors Gain important information on social activities

ADVICE FROM THE DIRECTOR The director of the program, Marc Ellison was quoted as saying: “Students taking advantage of the program attend classes that are 50 minutes long a couple times a day. Students need to realize that the least amount of time they spend in college is in the classroom.”

RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PROGRAM The program also recommends that families find a college with advisors and professors who have training in autism The family should also inquire if the college makes academic accommodations for students with disabilities Some accommodations may be untimed tests or even a social organization for autistic students

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS FOR THE STUDENTS - Confidence to succeed in college environment - Ability to interact with advisors and professors who are trained in working with autistic students - Increased GPA and higher completion of homework assignments

LOOKING AHEAD The Organization for Autism Research, which is a national group, plans on releasing 2 sets of videos: - The first is designed to educate professors - The second is geared toward resident advisers who tend to spend more time with the students

- AHEADD, the Pittsburgh-based organization, has expanded its operations to Albany NY, Dallas, and Washington - The organization charges between $4,200 - $5,700 per semester for social and academic assistance LOOKING AHEAD: Similar Organizations

EDUCATIONAL RELEVANCE For the teachers: - The videos will better prepare teachers for dealing with students with special needs - The improvements in teaching special needs students will cause awareness for the need to improve their educational & social life For the students: -A more educated and prepared facility to help navigate the student through college life -A feeling of assurance and confidence for the students who know that they have help from teachers and advisors

IMPACT ON SOCIETY’S PORTRAYAL OF SPECIAL EDUCATION With knowledge comes awareness, the influx of programs such as this will increase our country’s awareness for the need to improve our schools’ methods of teaching students with special needs With the success of these programs, society will recognize the need for more programs and will be aware of the need for improvement

3 QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION Can these programs be funded by the government to help students who cannot afford it? With the proliferation of these programs, what improvements can be made? How can these programs be evaluated in terms of success for the students?