Hench Autism Studies
Parents Meeting to be held Nov. 12

DEFIANCE, Ohio – The Hench Autism Studies Program at Defiance College will hold a parents’ meeting on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 7 - 8:30 p.m. in the Dix Room 106, Schauffler Hall.

At the next meeting, Erinn Thompson, teacher for the high school age classroom for adolescents with autism on the campus of Defiance College, will talk about her work with the students. As a teacher, she implements an integrated curriculum that focuses on life skills for the students. This means that academic subjects, such as reading and math, are a part of what the students do during the school day.  For example, the students in the adolescents with autism classroom run the Jacket Java Coffee Cart on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. When they do this, it teaches them how to run a “business” using their reading skills for the baked goods recipes and math to figure change to give to the customers.

The group will also tour the classroom in Defiance Hall, and the Hench Autism Studies Resource Center in the Pilgrim Library will be open and available for attendees.

Parents and others interested in programs serving children with autism are encouraged to attend. If you have any questions about the meeting or have information to share, please contact Fred Coulter, Parent Partnership Coordinator, at (419) 783-2416 or autism@defiance.edu.

Defiance College, chartered in 1850, is an independent, liberal arts institution in Northwest Ohio offering more than 40 undergraduate majors as well as graduate programs in education and business. Defiance College has received national recognition for its educational experience of engagement. The college website is www.defiance.edu.

November 4, 2009