The gap between the needs of an increasing number of young adults on the autism spectrum and available resources is substantial.  The Center for Adults with Autism at Towson University was developed to address this discrepancy, with a particular focus on young adults as they transition from school-based services to community integration and workforce participation. The Center’s work is congruent with Towson University’s identity as Maryland’s Metropolitan University with a strong commitment to addressing community needs. The College of Health Professions provides the leadership for this Center. This College has a long-standing history of commitment to initiatives associated with its motto of “Optimizing Wellness for Life”. This focus emphasizes a commitment to the integration of multiple dimensions of people’s lives that are important for health, well-being, human performance, and participation in society across the life span.

 MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Center for Adults with Autism is to provide educational experiences for students and professionals and conduct faculty-student applied research and outreach activities that support adults on the autism spectrum in living meaningful lives as fully engaged members of their communities. Programs offered through the Center use a model that incorporates partnering university students with adults on the autism spectrum to support mutual learning and includes evaluating and disseminating outcomes. The Center serves as a resource to the campus, the surrounding community, and the State.

This mission is being realized through the Center for Adults with Autism by:

• providing educational  opportunities for students, professionals, family members, and the public,

• offering and evaluating models for programs and services,
  supporting applied research by faculty and students, and

• providing links between community and academic resources.