The West Virginia Autism Training Center located at Marshall University has partnered with Concord University to develop on-campus support in Athens, West Virginia, for students who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.
Through its partnership with the WV ATC, Concord joins a national movement to develop specialized, on-campus programs to support this student population in higher education.
“In 2002, the WV ATC and Marshall University developed the nation’s first support program for college students diagnosed with ASD,” said Dr. Marc Ellison, executive director of WV ATC. “Since, the center has supported hundreds of students in reaching their goals of graduation, and coached dozens of universities and colleges nationwide in their efforts to develop similar programs.”
Dr. Kendra Boggess, president of Concord University, said the university community is excited about the opportunities the newly established partnership brings to southern West Virginia students, their families and the members of the communities Concord serves.
“In recent years, we have worked with more students who self-identify as being on the autism spectrum and we want to be able to serve them ably,” Boggess said. “In this new partnership, Concord’s work with Marshall will help us to further develop the supportive environment, teaching skills and understanding necessary to help students to become successful in their goals of a college education.”
For more information about this program, including fees and the application process, contact Jackie Clark at 304-696-2332 or visit www.marshall.edu/atc.
