Marshall Graduate Discusses Bereavement And Autism

Marshall University graduate, and former participant in the College Program, Brian Wong was recently interviewed on Autism Radio's "Hope Saves The Day" show. On the program Brian discussed the topic "Bereavement and Autism," in which he has a scholarly and personal interest.

You can hear the 28 minute interview at this link.

Brian recently authored an article for the ASA's Advocate on the topic, and will speak at the upcoming ASA national conference held in Pittsburgh in early July, 2013.

College Program for Students with Asperger's Syndrome - 2013 Video Overview

Marshall University 2013 Graduate Video

Several 2013 graduates of Marshall University who received support from WV ATC's college support program discuss their experiences.

7th Annual Parents' Weekend Celebration

Parents' Weekend at Marshall University is a wonderful time to celebrate family and community.


The event grows each year, it seems. 130-plus were in attendance this year.

 

Ruth C. Sullivan, Ph.D., autism pioneer and founder of the WV ATC, attended this year's event.

 

 

Rebecca Hansen and Dr. Barbara Becker-Cottrill take a quick shot with Scott Badesch, President of the Autism Society of America.

ASWV Panel Of Individuals On The Spectrum

The annual Autism Society of West Virginia conference was held in Charleston on September 7 and 8, 2012.

I had the honor of moderating the final event of the conference, the Panel of Individuals on the Spectrum. Topics included: the importance of relationships, handeling bullies, the transition into adulthood, and the proposed changes to the DSM-5. Each panel member also discussed the positive ways in which Asperger's syndrome has influenced his or her life.

The panel was comprised of (left to right): Amy Goodman, Christian Bruno, Joseph Galloway, David George, and Blake Kelmar.

Article on Postgraduation for Students with Special Needs

The September, 2012, issue of District Administration Magazine featuers a story titled Postgraduation for Special Needs Students. The story, which includes the College Program for Students with Asperger's Syndrome, can be found at this link.

Fall, 2012

Staff of WVATC's College Program for Students with Asperger's Syndrome gather for a day of training prior to the beginning of the Fall semester.

Graduate students and professional staff gathered to organize for the upcoming term, and met the 45 students to whom we provide support later that afternoon.



The beginning of a new semester is always an exciting time for all involved. Here's to a successful, safe, and happy 2012!

Register Now For Annual ASWV Conference

The annual Autism Society of West Virginia Conference will be held in Charleston, WV, on September 7 & 8, 2012. National and regional speakers will be in attendance, including Paula Kluth, Ph.D., author of the book: Just Give Him The Whale.

Registration for the conference can be completed at this link.

College Program Staff Host Multiple Workshops at 2012 Autism Society National Conference

Rebecca Hansen, Jackie Clark, Dr. Barbara Becker-Cottrill, and Marc Ellison from the WV-ATC, along with Dr. Kristy Ellison, hosted a pre-conference workshop at the 2012 Autism Society conference in San Diego on the topic of building college supports for students with ASD.
In attendance were representatives from Nova Southeastern University, and Virginia Commonwealth University. Ben Childers, from the WV-ATC, attended as well.

The following day, Program Coordinator Rebecca Hansen and Transition Specialist Jackie Clark presented on the topic: Turning The Tassel: Supporting The Transition From College To Career.

Emphasizing the importance of interdependence between student, support staff, and business, Jackie and Rebecca highlighted successful efforts to teach vocational skills like interviewing and social communication in the workplace.



The presentation was  well received by attendees, who rated it highly on conference evaluations.

On Friday, July 27, 2012, Marc Ellison hosted the 4th annual College Support Program Gathering for conference attendees employed in embedded within on-campus support programs.

The Center For Understanding (TN) Conference On ASD & Higher Education

The West Virginia Autism Training Center was pleased to participate in a conference devoted to the college support of students with ASD hosted by the Center for Understanding, in Franklin, Tennessee. Dena Gassner and the Center's staff carried out a first rate conference that included author Ann Palmer, noted author on the subject who has a new book titled: "How Can I Help? A Friend's and Relatives Guide to Supporting the Family with Autism."

The WV ATC purchased a copy of the book, and have it included in our library.