April is autism awareness month. This is a global effort to raise awareness of symptoms for someone who may have autism, as well as finding resources and help for those who have been diagnosed.

According to The Autism Society of America, autism is a complex developmental disability; signs typically appear during early childhood and affect a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others.

One in 59 people in the United States today are diagnosed with autism, or another form known as Asperger’s syndrome.

According to autismspeaks.org, autism can be managed in a few controlled ways, firstly by behavioral treatments such as therapy, medicine or both.

Park University doesn’t have specific events for autism awareness month; however, the campus is being proactive in offering support to students on campus who might need extra help.

Jayme Uden, Ed.D, associate vice president and dean of student services, said, “The Academic Support Center, which also houses disability services, is a great place to start if a student is concerned about their ability to be successful.”

Uden also went on to say that Student Life, Student Success, Residence Life and the Counseling Center are useful resources for students with autism.

Even though Park University offers a broad range of resources to help students deal with autism, Debra McArthur, MFA, director of academic support services, said, “Sometimes they might just need to find a friend to accept them as they are without judgement.”

In terms of academic support, McArthur said, “Most autistic students on campus don’t need any academic support, but the school offers a StepUp mentoring program to set goals and get any extra help if required.”

Despite Park not having a club for students with autism, the campus has a non-discriminatory policy for all clubs, which helps engagement with other students and enjoy the college experience.