Empowering Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder on Campus
Within the initiative led by team leader Vera Stone and members Elijah Moreno and Tulsi Patel, a community effort has been made to welcome and support over 200 students with autism spectrum disorder on campus. The program aims to educate and create a nurturing environment for individuals with mental health disorders. Training sessions provided by Autism Speaks representatives and the recruitment of a Licensed Professional Counselor as an autism specialist signify the commitment to empowering faculty, staff, and students in understanding and assisting those with autism. Committee members from Disability Services and Health and Wellness Center collaborate to further enhance knowledge and serve as liaisons within departments. Together, they stand to foster inclusivity and support in academic and social aspects of campus life.
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Presentation Transcript
Team Leader: Vera Stone Members: Elijah Moreno & Tulsi Patel
Within the last 3 years, over 200 students with this disability have joined our campus
DONT KNOW WHAT AUTISM IS? Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences.
AUTISMS EFFECT Roughly 1 in every 68 children has an autism spectrum disorder. Social, motor, and sensory perceptions collide. Example: Learning to put on a sweater by yourself. Eating and self feeding issues. Self care and how it effects daily life/school.
ALL STAND TOGETHER (AST) The mission statement: We strive to educate the community of the different mental health disorders to create a welcoming environment for all individuals. Disability services empowers students with mental health disorders by fostering a safe, friendly, and supportive environment in both their academic and social lives.
AUTISM SPEAKS Representative from Autism Speaks He/She will come in and train the Disability Services Center and Health and Wellness Center staff. Lunch will be provided for this in depth training session. This session will provide the staff with key knowledge to further train students and faculty members on campus.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM Disability Services and Health and Wellness Center co-lead further training sessions. One representative from each department is required to attend a session to be trained as a committee member. Committee members will serve as liaisons for their department. Sessions are twice a semester and are open to faculty, staff, and students.
RECRUITMENT Upon commencement of the program one Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) will be hired. The LPC will serve as an autism specialist for the campus. Help facilitate future training of the faculty and students.
THE MISSING PIECE PROGRAM After receiving training, students will become one on one mentors for individuals with autism. Individuals that sign up for this program will be required to meet with their assigned mentee every two weeks. Twice a semester the mentee will meet with the LPC for an evaluation of the program.
AWARENESS ACTIVITIES During the event, simulation videos will be shown to students and faculty, so they can work together to better understand the population. Disability Services and the Health and Wellness Center will put on a yearly event to help raise awareness. Free t-shirts will be handed out to the first 30 participants.
FINANCIAL BUDGET LPC (30k-50k depending on years of experience) Autism Speaks Training ($200-$300 for initial lunches provided to faculty members required to attend) Subsequent open training sessions ($30 for juice/drinks and chex mix as refreshments) T-shirts for yearly event ($300 @ $10 each)
EVALUATION At the end of the first year of the implementation, the committee will meet to evaluate the success/impact of the program. The committee will create a presentation to share at conferences with other universities.
FUTURE SUGGESTIONS If program goes well, include other mental health disorders. Hire another LPC if work becomes overbearing for current LPC. Commit the week that includes October 10th as a campus wide awareness week for all mental health disorders.
REFERENCES https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism http://www.who.int/mental_health/world-mental- health-day/en/ https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/autism/co nditioninfo/Pages/at-risk.aspx http://www.payscale.com
