Dooley Trust Award Recipients
The Robert E. Dooley Trust NSU Center for Autism Endowment Fund was set up to help fund and support NSU programs that benefit individuals with autism. All NSU faculty and staff were invited to apply for this funding. The Division of Research is excited to announce the first Dooley Trust awards:
PACT: Physical Activity Connections via Telehealth
PI: Melissa M. Tovin, PT, Ph.D., Professor, Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences
Contact: mtovin@nova.edu
Awareness campaigns and research have led to a significant increase in services and programs for young children with ASD; however, very few programs are specifically aimed at meeting the unique needs of adolescents and young adults. As this group transitions from childhood to adulthood, they face many social, physical and health challenges. At the same time, they find themselves exiting pediatric medical, developmental, and school-based services leaving them and their families struggling to navigate a complex system to find new providers and programs. This period of transition has been referred to as “Falling off the Services Cliff” in several publications/outlets. Physical Activity Connections via Telehealth (PACT) will provide guided physical activity instruction, using a peer-to-peer and small group format for social support and engagement. This service will be delivered virtually, and participants will receive a custom exercise program, coaching, and a “wellness kit” consisting of exercise resources and fitness tools. The proposed project will provide an accessible, safe, and expert guided physical activity program with a social component to adolescents and young adults with ASD (ages 16-22).
Supporting a Comprehensive College Support Program for Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
PI: Maribel Del Rio-Roberts, Psy.D., Associate Professor, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education & School of Criminal Justice
Contact: mdelrio@nova.edu
Nova Southeastern University currently offers the Access Plus Program for college students enrolled at NSU that are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. These students are provided with comprehensive support services such as daily study hall support with peer mentors, social coaching, career development, advocacy and support with faculty and university departments, and psychoeducational groups among other services. Peer Mentors assist students with study skills, executive functioning such as planning, organization, and problem solving, as well as with self-advocacy skills. Although students with financial need were previously able to successfully enroll in the program through Florida Department of Vocational Rehabilitation financial assistance, this funding is no longer being provided and Dooley Trust funding was requested to assist students with covering the program fee. Participation in this program is vital to the success of many college students as it provides them with the necessary supports to ensure that they thrive during their time at NSU and ultimately transition into a career while being competitive within the workforce of their chosen field of study.
A Training Program to Support Faculty & Staff Working with Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Higher Education
PI: Tim Scala, Psy.D., Associate Professor, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education & School of Criminal Justice, Contact: tscala@nova.edu
PI: Maribel Del Rio-Roberts, Psy.D., Associate Professor, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education & School of Criminal Justice
Contact: mdelrio@nova.edu
It is essential that students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder successfully transition into a higher education setting and feel supported in their new environment. Although many individuals with ASD display academic and creative talents, they can also experience challenges when it comes to navigating social environments and in settings that require self-advocacy and problem-solving skills. Therefore, to ensure that students with ASD thrive in a higher education setting, it is crucial that faculty, support services staff, and others such as public safety staff understand the nature of ASD and some of the associated challenges. This program will provide comprehensive training to selected NSU staff who may encounter a student with ASD, so they can more effectively provide support. Through psychoeducation and immersive learning experiences by incorporating Mursion simulation activities, participants will gain a strong foundation in the nature of autism spectrum disorders and how to support students with ASD in the higher education setting. Program participants will become familiar with strategies to support students in the classroom, during advising sessions or other campus activities.