St. Cloud State University is one of about 50 colleges and universities recognized by the College Autism Network (CAN) for having a designated program to support college students with autism.
The Supporting Autistic Students Success Initiative (SASSI) at St. Cloud State supports autistic students at St. Cloud State by providing resources and a student group. The initiative also provides training and resources for faculty and staff to inform them about how they can better serve students with autism and other neurodiversities. The initiative is informed by students with autism, who serve on planning committees and help to lead the Neuro Network Student Group.
“We want SASSI services to exist and expand based on what autistic students, faculty and adults think is important,” said Theresa Estrem, SASSI co-founder and Communication Sciences and Disorders faculty member. “CAN supports this premise through a strong autistic presence in all they do.”
The College Autism Network is a nonprofit organization that seeks to improve experiences and outcomes for college students with autism. The organization provides resources to autism program directors at universities throughout the country and provides a place for those active in supporting autistic students to meet and share ideas.
