Adolescents and Young Adults and Autism
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Date: March 31, 1 to 2 p.m.
Location: O'Leary Library Room 222, UML South
Description: Asst. Prof. Ashleigh Hillier, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, will be presenting "Evaluation of a University-Based Social and Vocational Skills Program for Adolescents and Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum."
An overview of the "Aspirations" Social and Vocational Skills Support Program will be presented, as well as other interdisciplinary programs Dr. Hillier is leading at UMass Lowell for those on the autism spectrum. These include the "SoundScape" music intervention with Dr. Gena Greher from UML Department of Music, the "Fit and Fun" Physical Exercise and Relaxation program with Dr. Deirdra Murphy from UML Department of Physical Therapy, "The Movie Club," and "The Network" monthly social and vocational program. These interventions include a vital evaluation component which assesses the efficacy of the program models.
UML undergraduate and graduate students are involved in facilitating and evaluating the programs, which have received both internal and external funding. Beyond the formal structure of public school and state funded programs, there are minimal opportunities and resources for young adults with autism spectrum disorders in the Lowell area. Therefore, these programs provide an essential service to those on the autism spectrum in our community and to their families, for whom few other services exist.
Contact: Nina_Coppens@uml.edu or (978) 934-3959.