A program offered by Austin Peay State University for students on the autism spectrum has proven to be successful.
It’s called Full Spectrum Learning, or FSL for short, and a news release cites specific cases where students have participated and thrived.
Chloe Sybert says she did not originally want to be labeled as autistic or receive any extra help, but came to realize there wasn’t anything wrong with either. She’s been part of the program and is no earning all A’s as a Sociology major, according to the APSU public affairs department.
University officials note that while in high school, students diagnosed with autism follow an Individualized Education Plan to help them succeed. At the college level, no such plan exists.
APSU professor Dr. Gina Grogan noticed the discrepancy and eventually hired graduate assistants to oversee the FSL pilot program that is now entrenched at the university.
Dr. Grogan notes that there are also benefits for the peer mentors. He is quoted as saying, “Peer mentors can encounter different situations that call for compassion, decision-making and good listening skills. These transferrable skills can be used in any aspects of life, including any career path as mentors interact with classmates and co-workers.”
More information on the FSL program can be found here.