Defiance College to offer Minor in Autism Studies

DEFIANCE, Ohio – Defiance College will offer a minor in autism studies beginning the fall semester of the 2009-10 academic year. The minor in autism studies, open to students in all majors, is designed to educate students about the unique needs of persons with autism and their families and is supported by the Hench Autism Studies Program.

In the fall of 2007, Defiance College announced the establishment of the Hench Autism Studies Program, which serves as a focal point for teaching, scholarship and action to serve people with autism and their families. The program includes an on-campus classroom for late adolescents with autism, specialized training for undergraduate college students to serve as peer mentors, licensure within the Master of Arts in Education program with emphasis in autism, and a resource and referral center for families of individuals with autism.

For additional information contact Dr. JoAnn Burkhardt, Director, Hench Autism Studies Program at (419) 783-2315 or jburkhardt@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. U. S. News & World Report ranks Defiance in the top tier of comprehensive colleges in the Midwest. The college website is www.defiance.edu.

July 21, 2009