Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Preparing Students to Transition to College and Succeed
Overview:
"As he sits in class at Eastern Michigan University, a flood of images streams from Tony Saylor's vibrant, creative mind down through his pen and onto paper. Often, his doodling features the 9-year-old character Viper Girl who battles monsters with her pet fox Logan. Saylor, 22, has even self-published three books of their adventures. Saylor's professors didn't exactly welcome his constant drawing, but once he explained it was the only way he could hope to process their lectures -and even to stay awake -most let him continue. For college students with autism and other learning disabilities, this is the kind of balancing act that takes place every day -accommodating a disability while also pushing beyond it toward normalcy and a degree, which is increasingly essential for finding a meaningful career." - The Huffington Post (2013)
"For students with autism, the transition from high school to college is fraught with unique difficulties. In addition to the challenges that every college student faces, young adults with autism spectrum disorders must develop new living skills, navigate a brand-new social landscape, and work hard to ensure that their own learning styles are accommodated, not lost in the shuffle." - U.S. News & World Report (2014)
"In many ways, Mark Heim is a typical senior at Colorado State University. He has the kind of smart humor you'd expect from someone who excels in computer science, engineering and math his T-shirt reads, 'Department of Redundancy Department.' But as a student living with Asperger's syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism, the everyday social interactions of college life can be awkward. Heim is part of a new influx of kids with autism who are heading off to college, creating a new demand for college services to help students with autism fit in, graduate and find jobs." - NPR (2011)
As the importance of acquiring a college education continues to increase, the number of college students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is growing exponentially. The presence of these students adds diversity enhances the quality of the collegiate experience for everyone, but responding effectively to the needs of this population on our can create challenges. From the classroom to the residence hall to the dining facilities to the athletic venues, making sure these students are accepted and 'fit in' with the overall campus community should be of paramount important to everyone in higher education.
This webinar will provide evidence-based best practices for making sure students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) transition to college successfully and make the most of their educational experience.
Why should you Attend:
As the number of students with ASD continues to increase on our college campuses, administrators, faculty and staff are hard pressed to respond effectively to their special needs. Providing these students with a quality education requires commitment, education and training, and an in-depth and operational understanding of the special needs of these individuals. This webinar will provide participants with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively meet the needs of this unique and growing population.
Areas Covered in the Session:
- Characteristics of College Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Ethical and Legal Obligations
- Teaching Strategies
- Coping Strategies
- Interaction Strategies
- Social Integration
- Potential Student Discipline Issue and Solutions
- Reasonable Accommodations
- Promoting Self-Management
- Campus Resources (including Counseling Services)
- Keeping Everyone on the Same Page
Who Will Benefit:
- University and College Faculty
- K-12 Teachers, Guidance Counselors, and Special Education Teachers
- College Advisors
- College Counselors
- Disabilities/Accessibility Services Staff
- Residence Life Staff
- Retention Specialists, At-Risk Population Specialists
- Student Life Staff
- First Year Experience/New Student Orientation Coordinators
- Librarians
- Tutoring Center Staff
- Parents and Family Members
- Faculty Professional Development Coordinators
- Career Technical and Vocational Rehab Educators
- Concurrent Enrollment Staff
- First Generation Advisors
- Parent Associations in K-12 and College
- On-line Learning Program Staff
- Developmental Education Program Staff
- Special Education Program Staff
- Diversity and Inclusion Program Staff
- Academic Coaches
Speaker Profile
Dr. Hughey has degrees from the University of Tennessee at Martin, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Western Kentucky University, and Northern Illinois University. He has authored (or co-authored) over 50 refereed publications on a wide range of issues including leadership, teams, conflict resolution, career development, standardized testing, diversity and administration. He regularly presents at national and international conferences and consults extensively with companies and schools.
He also provides training programs on a variety of topics centered on efficient and effective management at all levels. With respect to the current topic, Dr. Hughey has developed and implemented numerous workforce development initiatives over the last thirty years with local and regional companies, agencies and organizations; he directly coordinated the process for three years.