5 questions on … center for adults with autism

Charlotte Exner and Lisa Crabtree (photo by Desirée Stover)

TU alumnus’ gift establishes new center for underserved population

Charlotte Exner, dean of the College of Health Professions, says TU is in a unique position to create an effective, integrated interdisciplinary resource for adults with autism spectrum disorders.

Why did TU establish a Center for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders?

Douglas Erdman, a TU alumnus, and his wife Therese generously donated $50,000 to start the center. Their 16-year-old son, Ross, has autism. By age 21, individuals no longer qualify for most educational services. The Erdmans wanted to create a program that would help young adults like their son transition to higher education or the workplace and to living as independently as possible. Right now there are minimal resources for adults with autism spectrum disorders—also known as ASD—but this is an emerging area and TU will be at the forefront.

Which TU resources will the center use?

The center is designed to be an interdisciplinary in all facets. It will be located within the Department of Occupational Therapy & Occupational Science and will include occupational therapy and speech-language as core disciplines.  However, it will draw upon faculty expertise from and provide learning opportunities to students in other disciplines— including psychology, special education, nursing, kinesiology, health education, and family studies. The center has several objectives: to conduct research that addresses needs of and programs for adults with ASD; to create a graduate certificate program related to ASD; to educate TU students in health-related fields in working with this population; and to provide families and the community with outreach support. 

How will the center interact with the community?

The center will consult closely with adults with ASD, and with family members and professionals, in developing its services. It will also confer with a wide variety of entities—such as employers and other support service providers—who would like to learn to work more effectively with adults with ASD. With inputs from these and other members of the community the center will work toward developing model of service delivery programs, outreach and consultation services.

When will the center start offering services?

We anticipate offering services in September and offering courses on ASD to TU students next year. However, we intend to offer lectures and other presentations as early as late spring.

Who will be running the new center?

Lisa Crabtree, a clinical assistant professor in occupational therapy and occupational sciences, will be serving as the center’s director. Lisa has substantial clinical background in the area of working with individuals with autism spectrum disorders and in conducting research in that area.

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