UA adds program for autistic students

[Cindy]

This is really exciting.  I'm going to keep my eye on this program  in case, when the time comes, Michael decides he wants the "full  college experience" from the beginning (translation- get away from Mom and Dad) instead of going to a JC and living at home the first couple of years.

UA adds program for autistic students
Chapel Haven aims to help adults gain independence
by Renée Schafer Horton - Jul. 14, 2008 12:00 AM
Tucson Citizen

Like most young adults her age, 19-year-old Sara Goralnik wants one thing: a life outside the watchful eyes of her parents.

"I just want my independence," said Goralnik, a Phoenix native. "My mom and dad have always hovered over me."

They've had reason, according to Goralnik's mom, Cynthia: Sara is one of an estimated 1.5 million Americans diagnosed with an autism-spectrum disorder, and the first time she tried to navigate college life, "the independence was overwhelming to her."

Thanks to a groundbreaking new residential program in Tucson, however, students such as Goralnik will have better chance of success.

full article:
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2008/07/14/20080714autism0714.html

[Jen]

hey, cindy!
thanks for mentioning this- i met mike storz, then vp over the asperger program while at ASA in Rhode Island 2 years ago. i believe he became president or head director last year. i know the folks on the board are some of the best- it seems like a great program. i know there's the college internship program which seems very similar here at Indiana University and other schools. the hardest part is they are so expensive. i understand western kentucky has a wonderful program that is not so high priced. we need to get more of this kind of information out- so many people just dont know where to find it!
thanks again!