Concord Develops New Autism Program

Concord is partnering with Marshall University’s Autism Training Center.
Photo Courtesy of marshall.edu’s Autism Training Center.

Concord University has officially developed a program specifically designed for those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in partnership with the West Virginia Autism Training Center at Marshall University. The program is designed to help those with ASD to navigate college life as smoothly as possible, and to live up to their maximum academic potential.

    Nancy Ellison, Disabilities Coordinator for Concord University, explained that the students work with faculty, staff, and other students in order to complete their college degrees. “Students attend regular classes, they reside in the residence halls on or off-campus, and use the resources available to them within the Concord community. They have access to appropriate academic and social supports so that they may have a successful college experience and learn skills necessary to enter a competitive workforce.”

    The program is not entirely on its feet yet, according to Ellison. “In the first year of our program, we started by working with the students already enrolled at Concord who have identified as having Autism Spectrum Disorder. Skills Building Groups meet twice each week and provide students with valuable information to assist them as they navigate college life. Next year, we will have the full program with students who were specifically chosen for the program. Skills groups will be available to returning students as well,” she points out.

    As the program expands, more faculty and staff will be required to receive proper training in order to contribute to the experience of those in the program. Ellison states that “the staff of the College Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (CPSASD) provides training to the staff of the Residence Halls during RA training before the start of the fall semester. Additionally, training is provided to the faculty during faculty orientation.”

    However, “Graduate assistants are the backbone of the CPSASD,” states Ellison. “Graduate assistants help the students set goals and develop a path toward those goals…working 20 hours per week or more to assist assigned students with breaking down assignments into manageable portions, developing and maintaining an academic organization system and providing mentoring in regard to social needs.”

    Participants work with these graduate students, Resident Assistants, and their mentors to develop and follow a pre-prepared, personalized plan to guide them through the challenges posed by the academic year.

    Ellison advises the students to welcome those in the program, and the new students it will likely attract to the Concord University campus. “Treat the students in the CPSASD just as you would treat any other new member of our community by inviting them to participate in activities and organizations on campus, introducing them to other new students, inviting them to sit with you at meals, and making them feel welcome.”

    CPSASD is now accepting applications for the fall 2017 semester. “We plan to enroll a small number of students next year and grow from there. The CPSASD accepts students who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder, or Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified) who have at least average intellectual ability, and who can understand and successfully interact with college level information and material” says Ellison, are selected. “Participating students must have mastered basic independent living skills, and be motivated to contribute as full partners in their support programming.” Students have to be accepted to Concord University before being accepted into the program.

    Ellison states, “Applications must be received by the deadline of April 1. When the application has been completed and returned to Concord, the staff of the College Program will contact the applicant to confirm receipt, and conduct a pre-screening. After the complete application has been reviewed and the potential student has applied to and been accepted to Concord, an on-campus interview will be scheduled by the College Program staff. Finally, the College Program staff will inform potential students of the decision regarding their application. Students accepted into the program will be scheduled to participate in person-centered planning sessions prior to the start of the semester.”