COD's Autismerica Continues to Impact Lives

Autismerica, the College of DuPage club that helps students with autism meet in a positive and supportive environment, is thriving more than six years since its inception. The club introduces students, community members and their parents to a wealth of resources on the Glen Ellyn campus and the greater DuPage County area.

Since 2012, club organizers have helped students better educate themselves about College of DuPage and have built a support system for students incorporating guest speakers and social activities.

“This organization is filling a huge void in the community as there’s really no other group like this in DuPage County,” said COD counselor and Professor Dr. Michael Duggan. “We had about 20 to 25 individuals at our first meeting in 2012 and now we consistently see upwards of 60.”

Group meetings are designed to be informative, but also incorporate activities to encourage members to socialize – whether it be bowling, video gaming or an outing to a softball game. Rex Brim attended his first Autismerica meeting three years ago. The 35-year-old Wheaton resident had been taking courses at the College, but had been hesitant to speak with many of his fellow students.

“I talk to more people now,” he said. “Group members get together to talk or do cool things. Talking with them helps and I’m more comfortable now on campus. .”

In addition to outside speakers, Autismerica organizers also incorporate College staff and students. Last academic year, presenters included students from COD’s MPTV program who discussed and screened student-produced animation shorts, said Accommodations Specialist Sheryl Ebersold.

“”The biggest thing we give students are leadership opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have access to,” she said. “We truly want our members to not only feel a part of the organization, but the College community as well.”

To that end, the College is offering a series of expert-led presentations designed to raise awareness about autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Presenters will speak on a variety of topics, including success in adulthood; relationships and sexuality; biological and genetic research; behavioral and biological treatment options; personal triumphs; therapist perspectives; and teaching interventions.

The College received a grant to develop a mentor program and speaker series, bringing some of the top experts to the area, Duggan said. The overall goal is to increase access to resources and information about ASD.

And if the success of Autismerica is any indication, Duggan and Ebersold said they hope the series is similarly received.

“There have been so many positive interactions and activities that have come from Autismerica,” Ebersold said. “We have two high school students from two different schools who met and became best friends through the club. They are now going to be attending COD together. It’s been huge for these students to come here and connect with their peers.”

The next Autismerica meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, in Student Resource Center, Room 1200 on the Glen Ellyn campus, 425 Fawell Blvd. For more information Autismerica or the Autism Speaks series, call Michael Duggan at (630) 942-2845 or email duggan@cod.edu.

Pictured: College of DuPage graduate and Autismerica member Josh Romaniak enjoys a video game at a recent club outing to Round1 Arcade in Stratford Square Mall.