Apr 19, 2023, 95.3, Mishawaka, IN: Autism rates triple, increases school enrollment of students with autism https://www.953mnc.com/2023/04/19/autism-rates-triple-increases-school-enrollment-of-students-with-autism/
April is Autism Awareness Month. Autism rates have tripled nationwide, which means that our education system will continue to see increased enrollment of students with autism.
Both the Indiana Resource Center for Autism and other national research shows that only about 41% of students with autism finish a higher education. Marian University’s Personalized Learning Center wants to change that with a program specifically focused on helping students who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
They have a program called the “Spectrum of Knights.”
“Spectrum of Knights is a fee-based program here on campus where we provide individualized support to our autistic students. So we do things like one-on-one coaching, skill development workshops, peer mentorships, study tables, etc,” said Hannah Melton, autism coordinator for Marian University….
Coming up, they have a “Neurodiversity Celebration Night” on Thursday April 27 from 2-6 pm. Participants will watch a documentary, “Autism Goes to College” and participate in a discussion, followed by sensory-friendly activities including slime making, puzzles, fidget toys. The afternoon concludes with a student call-out for participation in Marian university’s new Neurodiversity Advisory Council to begin fall 2023.
