While the transition to a different life at college might be stressful, it can be exponentially more stressful for those who function differently than their neurotypical peers. Autistic students often face social and academic challenges that would not even cross a neurotypical student’s mind. Such challenges for these neurodiverse students include being independent, and planning […]
ASD in the University: Peer Mentoring in GMU’s MASI Program
April 13, 2018 by · 1 Comment
The leap from high school to college is truly a multifaceted transition as students shift both academic and social gears. This time of change can be especially taxing for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Deficits in executive function can make adapting to independent university life challenging. Specifically, problems with planning and mental flexibility can […]
ASD in the University: University of Alabama’s ACTS Program
April 12, 2018 by · Leave a Comment
Coming into college can be tough. For many people, it’s their first time living separate from their parents, and they’re thrown into an environment with many new faces. This adjustment can be especially difficult for students on the Autism Spectrum given their difficulties with executive function and social interactions as well as their higher risk […]
ASD in the University: Mercyhurst University’s AIM Program
April 12, 2018 by · 1 Comment
As the amount of ASD students attending college increases, there is a drastic need for programs that are designed to acclimate ASD individuals to the intimidating college environment. Many students with autism experience difficulty in adjusting to an independent lifestyle, tackling the increased workload and alternating schedule, and being able to operate in […]
Autistic Individuals in the Arts: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
February 19, 2018 by · 1 Comment
Today, the name “Mozart” is nearly synonymous with the genre of classical music. Over two centuries after the renowned composer’s death, the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart still permeates concert halls, film scores and playlists around the globe. The city of Salzburg, Austria, Mozart’s birthplace, has been transformed into a kind of Mozart “theme park”1, […]
Autistic Individuals in the Arts: Susan Boyle
February 19, 2018 by · 2 Comments
The whole world stopped for a day in April 2009 when they heard this. In a manner similar to the way that stars including Kelly Clarkson, Chris Daughtry, and Carrie Underwood were propelled into the spotlight from American Idol, Susan Boyle received her start on the third season of Britain’s Got Talent. There’s just […]
Autistic Individuals in the Arts: Was Warhol Autistic?
February 18, 2018 by · 2 Comments
As one of the forefront leaders of the 60’s Pop art movement, Andy Warhol made a name for himself with artworks exemplifying mainstream pop culture, coupled with bright colors and bold line-work, but what many don’t know is that one of the most famous artists of the century may very well have been a part […]
Autistic Individuals in the Arts: Dan Aykroyd
February 18, 2018 by · Leave a Comment
“Who you gonna call?” a phrase often quoted in reference to the film Ghostbusters, has maintained popularity since the film’s release in 1984. The science-fiction comedy has entertained millions with the idea of spirits and the need for their extermination by a team of scientists, composed of all-star actors Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, […]