Jamie Owen-DeSchryver, associate professor of psychology, gives a
presentation during the Teach-In January 21. Seated from left are
students Arielle Perreault, Holly Miller and Olivia Sowa.
Students share experiences during Teach-In session
Jan 22, 2016
Three students co-facilitated a Teach-In session January 21 and discussed their own experiences with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
“Being Actually Autistic” was one of 40 sessions during the third annual Teach-In. Sponsored by Student Senate and University Academic Senate, each session was collaboratively led by students and a faculty or staff member.
Jamie Owen-DeSchryver, associate professor of psychology, was joined by students Olivia Sowa, Holly Miller and Arielle Perreault. The students and Owen-DeSchryver said they wanted to give participants a better understanding of the disorder and its characteristics, and how ASD can be very different from person to person.
“ASD involves brain differences, which is why everyone gets it differently,” Owen-DeSchryver said.
Students discussed the common misconceptions of ASD, and addressed misunderstood stereotypes. They also highlighted the resources at Grand Valley to help students who have ASD.
• Campus Links pairs students with autism with a mentor, who helps ease the transition of living on campus. Disability Support Services oversees Campus Links.
• STAAR, Students Toward Autism Advocacy & Respect, is a student organization that aims to provide a safe and welcoming environment for students who do not participate in Campus Links, or students who are interested in peer-to-peer support or volunteer work.
• START Project provides professional development and resources to K-12 educators.
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