Program Overview

Welcome to the Exploring Autism and Neurodiversity Residential Learning Community!

Students gather around tables in a campus dining space, sharing a meal and conversation together.

The Exploring Autism and Neurodiversity community is for students who want to learn more about autism, the autistic identity and the concept of neurodiversity. Participants can be those who identify as autistic and/or those who have an interest in learning more and fostering an allyship with the autistic community. This RLC is a safe space to talk about autism and neurodivergence as identities, and it helps incoming students connect with a potentially like-minded group of students to help them build a lasting network of friends and peers built to last. It will be a place where individual differences are welcomed and accepted. Members of the Exploring Autism and Neurodiversity Residential Learning Community learn together in the First Year Seminar, Autism: A Broad Spectrum; attend regularly scheduled RLC meetings and events; participate in Neurodivergent Studies and Allies Club weekly meetings; and much more! This RLC is led by Dr. Susan Hedges, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Reading Education and Special Education, and participants will live in Summit Residence Hall. Community is created through organized, suggested activities, monthly floor meetings, and participation in the group chat.

Associated First-Year Seminar

As part of the Active Living community, students will be required to complete the associated First-Year Seminar, "Autism: A Broad Spectrum." 

Contact

Susan Hedges
hedgessh@appstate.edu

Sponsoring Departments

Intercultural Student Affairs

Appalachian’s Intercultural Student Affairs (ISA) office provides mentoring, advocacy, community and identity affirmation for marginalized and underrepresented students.

Opportunities for Participants

  • Interact informally with students, faculty, and staff who identify as neurodivergent
  • Engage in social interaction with like-minded peers
  • Take advantage of an extra network of supports to settle into college life
  • Explore the topic through videos, discussions and readings

Participant Expectations

  • Enroll in the First Year Seminar UCO1200 Autism: A Broad Spectrum, Fall T/TH 9:30-10:45
  • Attend regularly scheduled RLC meetings and events
  • Participate in the Neurodivergent Students and Allies Club weekly meetings
  • Complete a set of core experiences determined during orientation
  • Plan and participate in community activities and events
  • Recommended: Take US1001 College Success Seminar
  • Attend individually scheduled check-in meetings