Since its creation in 2006, the University of Alabama’s Autism Spectrum Disorders College Transition and Support Program has grown from one participant to over 15.  This coming fall, the program will include a record high of 18.

The program, known as UA-ACTS, aims to help students diagnosed with autism, Asperger’s syndrome or other spectrum disorders to properly transition into daily college life, program director Sarah Ryan said.

“The goal is to give these students the support they need socially and organizationally so they can successfully get a degree and be successful in the future,” Ryan said.

She explained the students involved in the program have mentors who meet with them throughout the week to help them with everyday situations, from tests to interviews. Ryan said because of the nature of the disorders, situations that seem normal to most college students can be overwhelming for students with ASD.

“Autism is difficulty with social situations and understanding that other people have different perspectives,” Ryan said.  “So some of these students have really high IQs but still don’t know how to handle certain social or organizational issues that may come up in college.”

Susan Loveall, a psychology graduate student and mentor for the program, said she has to tailor her methods when she’s working with specific clients.

“They’re all so different,” she said.  “It really depends on what they need individually.”

She said she meets with the students individually at least two times a week to outline methods for coping with issues they may be facing. Loveall explained she is only a resource when her clients need her.

“The students are amazing,” she said.  “They do all of the work. We’re just here as a support system.  They won’t need us forever.”