ALLIANCE, Ohio – Alicia (Bousner '10) Hrubey is set to give the annual autism awareness lecture at the University of Mount Union as part of Autism Awareness Month. The lecture will take place Monday, April 9 at 7 p.m. in the Newbold Room of Hoover-Price Campus Center. 

The topic of the lecture will be about music therapy and how it can positively impact individuals with autism. Music can help reduce anxiety and depression, improve social skills and improve the overall quality of life. 

Hrubey received a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Mount Union in 2010 and a Master of Music degree in vocal performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music in 2012. She currently sings professionally throughout northeast Ohio and has worked extensively in the special needs community. She is trained in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy and has worked as an outreach therapist and a senior classroom behavioral therapist for the Cleveland Clinic Center of Autism.

Upon obtaining her national board certification in music therapy through Baldwin Wallace University, she has specialized in utilizing music therapy with individuals living with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. 

The autism awareness lecture is sponsored by Spectrum Education Center and Alpha Xi Delta.

For a list of all Autism Awareness Month events throughout April, visit www.mountunion.edu/spectrum-education-center-events.