A growing program that’s creating a smooth transition for students.
The transition from high school to college can be challenging for any student. However, when a student has autism spectrum disorder, change and reduced structure can be especially difficult to manage. Established in 2021, Autism Connect helps students from the very start by providing a low-stimulus orientation called Pre-Arrival Camp at the beginning of their college experience. In addition to services and support provided by Accessibility Services, Autism Connect provides monthly workshops and events, peer mentoring, social coaching, and career development. University faculty, staff, and students may become Autism Allies by undergoing training on successfully interacting with and teaching students on the autism spectrum.
Help transition our students into a more successful year.
While students with autism may face more challenges in the academic and social arenas, those who participated in a support program had significantly higher grades, lower anxiety, increased social support, and better retention. Over the first two years of Autism Connect, students experienced a 100% fall-to-spring retention. We want to expand the services of the program so that we can assist more students. Funding is required to employ peer mentors, host programs geared toward the needs of this population, and broadly present our training for students, faculty, and staff to create an inclusive and supportive environment.
“I have been so touched by the warmth and care given.”
As a mom of a son on the autism spectrum, I have been so touched by the warmth and care given. There has been so much personalized attention. I am so happy at the growth I’ve seen in my son. He loves Saint Leo and so do I. - Saint Leo mom