David Siegel, KHS Class of 2006, will graduate this December from Texas Tech University in Lubbock. But it hasn?t been the necessarily easy for him because he is one of 3 million individuals diagnosed with autism in the United States. {{more:Read more …}}
a number with ASD attend college but soon dropout …
According to an article written by Heidi Toth for Texas Tech Today, DeAnn Lechtenberger, a professor of special education, had noticed autistic students who were struggling at college. She submitted a grant proposal to the Texas Council on Developmental Disabilities. Her idea was to create a program that would provide college students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities with a support system. A number of students with ASD attend college, but many drop out soon after ? not for lack of academic ability, but because they never find a way to overcome organizational and relationship difficulties brought on by autism.
That program, in its fifth year at Texas Tech, is known as Project CASE and helps dozens of students succeed in college.
Project CASE provides support, advising and avenues to success for students with autism. The Birkman assessment and wraparound meetings provide students with tools to recognize and address many of the obstacles, Lechtenberger said. Many obstacles aren?t unique to students with ASD, but these students frequently need to learn how to cope with problems or are so consumed with anxiety they miss out on social cues that could help.part of the program since its inception …
Same for David Siegel, who has Asperger’s, will graduate in December with a minor in theatre. He has been part of Project CASE since its inception and said the wraparound meetings focused on getting him organized and making sure he had the tools necessary to solve problems.
?They give me confidence,? he said.
He got involved with the BurkTech Players, a theatre troupe made up of theatre and dance students and Project CASE students, at its inception two years ago and found his home on stage. He has career plans that sound quite similar to any other aspiring actor.going to get a place of my own and get a job …
?I?m going to try to get a place of my own and get a job while I try to pursue my acting career,? Siegel said. ?I?ll look for theatre or entertainment, something like that, but I have to have a job that can put food on the table until I can get a career in that. You?ve got to find the opportunities first.?Siegel was part of the following video that was produced by the BurkTech Players featuring students with autism.LINKS:
- Read full article at ‘ALONE IN THE MIDDLE OF 30,000 PEOPLE? NO MORE
- Helpful link for parents considering college for their special need student at Find the right college program your child with special needs
- Find out more about the Burkart Center at BurkhartCenter
- About Texas Tech University
