PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Living on a college campus, with loud parties and dining halls and shared spaces with new people, can be overwhelming for people with autism spectrum disorder.
Saint Joseph’s University is fixing up a house on campus just for students with autism to help them transition from living at home to living away at school.
“We’ve seen an increase in the number of students who have expressed a need for more support around independent living as they initially transition from home to college, and as a way to further build community and enhance connection,” said Angus Murray, executive director of the university’s Kinney Center For Autism Education and Support.
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Rooms will be painted in soothing colors, and there will be low lights and quiet spaces.
“The building itself will have furniture specifically designed for folks with sensory issues,” Murray added. “For instance, we are looking at specific types of bedding that will offer both privacy and the ability, if you want, to open up a curtain and have social interaction.
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“We’re also looking at installing a Lego wall and what will be referred to as a sensory room, a quiet room off the beaten path.”
There will also be social events each week designed to help students transition to life on campus and in the working world.
“We will have a kitchen and a dining area so that students can work on those independent living skills,” said Murray. “It’s not just about the degree; it’s also about learning how to live independently. So, we provided them with a kitchen where they can cook. We will have social outings several times a week. On the weekend, they may go out to an event in Philadelphia, but during the week, that may be just having dinner together in the residence hall.”
The dorm will be staffed with a team of resident assistants and graduate assistants trained in supporting college students with autism. It opens in the fall with space for 14 students.
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