Hench Autism Studies Program

Autism. Asperger Syndrome. PDD-NOS. Sensory integration dysfunction. Mindblindness. Savants. Developmental delays. 1 out of 110 children.

At its best, the language of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) fosters awareness and understanding.

At its worst, the language can overwhelm and distance those who live on the autism spectrum from those who do not.

The Hench Autism Studies Program believes that people with autism spectrum disorders are as unique, individual, and fully human as anyone else, and that living and working with people on the spectrum is about more than just learning a new vocabulary or having a diagnostic label to explain a person.

Bringing together expertise and services in an innovative way, the Hench Autism Studies Program offers:

• An on-campus public school classroom for adolescents with ASD
  
  
• Specialized undergraduate peer mentor training and relationships
• An undergraduate minor in autism studies
  
  
• Licensure within the Master of Arts in education program for intervention specialist, mild and moderate K-12, with an emphasis in ASD
  
  
• Professional development opportunities for educators, social workers, law enforcement, and medical personnel
  
  
• Programs with nationally recognized speakers from the ASD community (John Elder Robison, Stephen Shore, Judy Endow)
  
  
• A resource center in the Pilgrim LIbrary for students, professionals, community members, and families

The Hench Autism Studies Program understands that for all the challenges autism spectrum disorders present to individuals, families, educators, and communities, there are also joys and journeys that a textbook language cannot fully capture.

Join the conversation. Promote understanding. Change lives.

Who We Are

• History
• Mission Statement
• Future

Who We Serve

• ASD Individuals & Families
• ASD High School Students
• Defiance College Students
• Professionals