Autismerica brings students together for support, fun
What started as a conversation between two College of DuPage employees one year ago has become Autismerica, a successful organization on campus for students with autism.
“Research is showing that more and more students with autism are entering higher education,” said Michael Duggan, counselor at COD and Autismerica co-coordinator. “Many of these students are often the only ones like themselves in their classes, so they sometimes feel disconnected or can be misunderstood. We wanted to do something.”
Duggan and Shelly Mencacci, Veterans Benefits associate who at the time worked in Special Student Services, decided to start a new group. That group is Autismerica, and it helps students with autism better educate themselves about COD and socialize together in a positive and supportive environment.
The group meets once every month, with the next meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13, in the Student Services Center, Room 1800.
To initially attract members, Duggan and Mencacci sent a letter to any student who had self-identified as autistic on their school record, inviting them to meet other COD students like themselves. Parents were also welcome to attend.
“We were really nervous and thought, ‘What if only three people come?' ” Duggan said. “But on our first night, we had over 60 people in attendance. It was incredible.”
Each meeting consists of a guest speaker on a specific topic of interest, followed by social activities ranging from pool and table tennis to video and board games.
Steve Rusch of Downers Grove, whose son Steve Jr. has Asperger Syndrome, finds Autismerica to be tremendously helpful.
“It does two things: It allows parents to get together and talk about their children and what resources are available,” he said. “Secondly, it allows the students to interact with each other, which is one thing a kid with Asperger's has trouble with. A lot of kids with Asperger's are not as organized as you'd like them to be and are not as involved with other kids as they should be. This group provides the support they need and brings in special skills counselors and staff who they should know.”
Mary Savage of Woodridge had not found a group like Autismerica since her daughter, Stephanie, was diagnosed with autism.
“Sometimes these kids can feel disjointed from the community, especially at a community college where students just come and go,” Savage said. “This group gives Stephanie and other kids the opportunity to get to know one another, so when they see each other on campus or in class, they can go over and say ‘hi' and feel comfortable.”
Duggan, who now runs the group with Sheryl Ebersold, special needs associate in Special Student Services, said the feedback has been tremendous. Students look forward to each month's meeting, and they even came up with the group's name and logo.
“The mission of any community college is to serve the people of the community and offer students a chance to learn, grow and interact,” he said. “Autismerica is a supportive base to enhance their education. It's a very positive experience, and I'm really proud to be a part of it.”
For more information about Autismerica, call (630) 942-2845 or (630) 942-3798, or email duggan@cod.edu or ebersold@cod.edu.