The Autism Program
The Autism Program (TAP) in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) at Illinois uses a family-focused, community-based approach to building capacity within the community to support individuals on the autism spectrum, their families and professionals who work with them. The program focuses on addressing specific needs identified by stakeholders in the community, finding evidence-based solutions (or developing evidence-informed programs) and using standards of best practice in multi-disciplinary approaches.
There is an ongoing push in industry to include individuals on the autism spectrum in recruiting and hiring practices. However, because people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulties in social communication and social interaction, too few individuals are offered opportunities to excel. In addition, the majority of academic institutions lack programs that promote teaching, and public engagement focused on preparing students on the autism spectrum for successful careers and independent lives following graduation.
TAP is uniquely positioned to prepare UIUC students with ASD for successful transitions into careers, independent living, and working effectively in teams. The program can also become an asset in training employers to adopt hiring and workplace support practices that would optimize success for neurodiverse students.
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