Welcome to the MSU Autism Support Program

To view the Initium House documentary, created by autismspot.com,
click here.

Mission Statement

The Midwestern State University Autism Support Program is designed to empower academically capable students with autism spectrum disorders succeed in college through the provision of residential, peer, academic, counseling, campus, and community supports.

 

"Beginnings"
     
  What began as a simple proposal in the spring of 2008 turned into a movement. A group of five special education (SPED) graduate students enrolled in a special education seminar course at Midwestern State University (MSU) in Wichita Falls, Texas discussed the possibilities for their students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) to attend college. After being encouraged by their mentor, Dr. Millie Gore, these graduate students proposed the idea of a world-class program for students with ASDs to attend MSU to Dr. Grant Simpson, Dean of the West College of Education, and Dr. Howard Farrell, Vice President of University Advancement and Student Affairs. Upon hearing the proposal, Farrell guaranteed full university support for one year, starting Fall 2008, as well as a house where the first six students could live.  
     Three of Initium (Latin for “beginnings”) House’s first residents were metroplex residents, all with Asperger’s syndrome,a high functioning form of autism. The other three residents were all Special Education(SPED) majors, one of whom was Jessica Dunn, one of the graduate students who developed the idea for the program. These “Peer Mentors,” as they are called, are available to students as a peer support in various capacities. 

                   Another important member of the household is Calliope, or “Calli” for short. She is the service/therapy-dog-in-training, assisting the students with the difficult transition from the comforts of home to college life.

Several elements are combined to ensure the successful transition of the students involved. Social science-related majors acting as Peer Mentors experience hands-on what it is like to live and work with a person with a disability. All Initium House residents are expected to participate in House meetings, chores, and various other social and recreational programs. The students with ASDs have the opportunity to take advantage of the wide range of campus services (Office of Disability Services, Counseling Center, Dining Services, etc.) as well as program services such as group/individual counseling, study halls, and social and life skills lessons, all facilitated by exceptional graduate and undergraduate students in related fields.

As of Spring 2010, the Initium House is home to two students with high-functioning autism or Asperger’s and three Peer Mentors. One of the former Initium House residents “graduated” into semi-independent living, and he is now living with a Peer Mentor in a campus apartment. Another student lives “independently” in a traditional residence hall, and the services are made available to him on an as-needed basis. Another student resides at home while receiving program supports at the “non-residential” or “townie” level by attending the university part-time and participating in the various program experiences. In total, we are currently helping five students on the autism spectrum and hope to increase our numbers each semester. Dunn, former Head of House, serves as Director of the Autism Support Program while Gore supervises the program.

 

Thanks to the hard work of State Senator Florence Shapiro and House Representative David Farabee, and a very committed parent, the state granted funds for the MSU Autism Support Program to continue through May 2011.

 

For more information, or to learn how to be added to the ASP waiting list, please visit the FAQ webpage.

 

If you are interested in making a donation to the program, please contact MSU’s Annual Fund Department:

•   On-line donation form: Click Here 
Select "Other" on the bottom of page, type donation amount, then type AUTISM SUPPORT PROGRAM in the "Name of Specific Area" box.

•   E-mail: givetoMSU@mwsu.edu

•   Phone: 940-397-4539

•  Mail:

   Annual Fund
   Midwestern State University
   3410 Taft Blvd

   Wichita Falls TX 76308


For more information, e-mail AutismSupportProgram@mwsu.edu or call 940-397-4982