Midwestern State University Autism Support Program for College-Eligible Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

[Guest guest]

http://www.autismsource.org/

Midwestern State University

3410 Taft Blvd

Wichita Falls TX 76308

(Wichita County)

(Front Desk/Receptionist)

Dr. Millie Gore

(Other)

Dr. Millie Gore

Fax:

E-Mail address: millie.gore@...

Website: http://www.mwsu.edu

Service Description

Midwestern State University Autism Support Program for

College-Eligible Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

In Fall, 2008, Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas, will

begin a pilot program to serve the needs of students with Autism Spectrum

Disorders who are academically qualified for college. The program will

include the following supports:

.. first-year transition housing

.. long-term housing for persons with critical sensory issues

.. specially selected housemates who are majors in Special Education or

allied fields who will commit to being a support team for their housemates

with ASDs

.. training for MSU faculty and staff

.. training for cafeteria staff about casein and gluten-free diets

.. individualized peer assistance at registration

.. an officially-recognized student organization for students with ASD and

their supporters

.. a voice in student government

.. assistance from the Office of Disability Services, and

.. full inclusion in the life of the university.

The program will be housed in a home across the street from the student

health center. The home will provide transitional housing for four students

with ASDs and four to six neuro-typical housemates who are committed to

being their support team and are trained to do so. Even after students who

live in the house for a transition year elect to move on to housing

elsewhere on campus, the home will continue to be available to them for

daily study and socialization or refuge in times of stress; students who

need to remain in special ASD housing all four years until graduation will

be able to do so.

The inside of the charming older home will be painted and furnished with

muted colors to meet the sensory needs of its residents with ASDs. Window

coverings and lighting will be appropriate for persons with sensory issues,

and house rules will address the auditory sensitivities of its residents.

Cleaning solutions with strong odors will be avoided, and residents will be

encouraged to keep only healthy foods that meet the needs of a person on a

casein and gluten-free diet.

Four students with ASD will be accepted into the pilot program for Fall

2008. For more information, or to set up an interview, email Dr. Millie Gore

at millie.gore@....

Program Information

Fees charged:Regular university housing fees; regular university tuition and

fees

Intake procedure:Contact Dr. Millie Gore at millie.gore@... for more

information.

Eligibility requirements:Applicants must be academically fully qualified for

admission to the university; diagnosis of ASD; only four students will be

for the first year; selection based on likelihood of success in the pilot

program