Information for TU Students

Support for TU Students with Autism

The College Autism Peer Support (CAPS) program is designed for Towson University students with autism who would like support to help them achieve success. What does CAPS offer?

Weekly group sessions and individual peer mentoring

Mutual support and professional guidance in areas such as: Utilizing personal strengths, transitioning, navigating campus, social engagement, life skills, vocational skills and more

CAPS Information:

If you’re new to the CAPS program and interested in participating in CAPS this upcoming semester, please see the Program Forms Section of the webpage for CAPS Documentation that must be submitted by January 26th. Payment is due by January 29th.

All students who have participated in CAPS in previous semesters, please see the Program Forms Section of the webpage for CAPS Documentation and payments that must be submitted by January 26th, 2024

CAPS Information Guide

CAPS is a peer mentoring program for autistic students at Towson University and their university peers to engage with one another in both group gatherings and 1:1 mentoring opportunities on campus and in the community.

Through this blend of weekly group meetings and individual peer mentoring, a wide range of issues and challenges can be addressed, including but not limited to utilizing personal strengths, navigating campus, balancing academic and other responsibilities, understanding and engaging in social aspects of campus life, advocating effectively and planning post-college life.

CAPS Group meetings take place at the Hussman Center on Wednesday evenings. CAPS students and their peer mentors meet in a large group to provide one another with mutual support and to facilitate a strong sense of community. 1:1 Mentor/Mentee conversations occur during the week at a mutually agreed upon time and location around campus.

Those interested in CAPS should follow the process below:

  1. Inquire about participating in CAPS with Doug Dehaan at
  2. Complete required CAPS forms
  3. Contact to set up a video or in-person conversation.
  4. Receive confirmation email from Hussman Center Business Office
  5. Make full payment or start a Payment Plan with the Business Office by calling 410-704-7300. Program cost information can be found here (PDF).

If you don't already receive emails about CAPS and general Hussman Center information, please email us at and request to be added to the distribution list.

Please contact .

Towson University Student Involvement

Service Learning

More than 200 Towson University students a year are involved in service-learning experiences in programs and Social Groups at the Hussman Center for Adults with Autism. TU students learn to interact with adults with autism as peers and members of the community.  Many students decide to go on to careers working in the field of autism.  Throughout their experiences in programming, they think about and report ways that they can support more inclusive communities and help advocate for more accepting workplaces.

Fieldwork Experiences

Students in professional preparation programs learn best practices for working with adults on the spectrum. TU programs that are currently involved include Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science, Speech-Language Pathology, Nursing and Family Studies.  

Students interested in participating in programs at the Hussman Center, please consider enrolling in IDHP 300, a course which meets service-learning requirements for Towson University and provides an opportunity for weekly interaction with neurodiverse individuals.  

For more information about Towson University classes associated with the Hussman Center for Adults with Autism, please contact the Hussman Center at .

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