Social Skills and College for Students with Aspergers Syndrome
Guest(s): Dr. Marc Ellison/Executive Director of the West Virginia Autism Training Center
This edition of Top of the Spectrum New discusses social skills and college for those with Aspergers. Dr. Marc Ellison, who has successfully created a wing for those with Autism at the Marshall University West Virginia Autism Training Center, offers insights for college preparation. Since 2002, Marshall University has successfully supported (and graduated) over 100 students with Aspergers Syndrome.
A graduate of Abilene Christian University, Jennifer had a long career in TV Broadcasting. Upon learning her oldest son Sam had a form of Autism called Asperger’s Syndrome, she left her career and became a full-time mother to both of her sons. Jennifer elicited the participation of her family and together they produced several independent programs including a children’s animated series titled Ameriquest Kids, as well as a documentary and book titled, Coping to Excelling: Solutions for School-age Children Diagnosed with High-Functioning Autism or Aspergers Syndrome. She formed the nonprofit Asperger101 to provide on-going free resources related to ASD at Aspergers101.com and has implemented the Texas Driving with Disability Program and continues to grow the statewide initiative today. She and her husband have recently retired to their property in the Texas Hill Country.
Thank you for this information. I am an Academic Life Coach and at least two of my students struggle with Asbergers and I’m looking for ways to help them beyond just the time management and study strategies that I teach to all my students. For those who socialize easily, the academics are the biggest problem. That is flipped when it comes to my Asberger students and any insight into their lives is crucial for me to help them. Thanks again.
Please add me to your newsletter, I am a parent of a college age student (son, age 19) who has Aspergers. He still struggles socially, and I would welcome all positive advice.