ALLIANCE, Ohio — The University of Mount Union is pleased to announce the addition of a new minor in autism studies beginning in fall 2022. 

The program’s addition is a result of the alumni success from Mount Union’s Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Human Development, as well as the community partnerships and hands-on opportunities available to students through the University’s Spectrum Education Center. 

“The autism studies minor provides valuable academic opportunities to students who want to pursue a career in autism intervention, while doing hands-on work that benefits the community at large,” said Dr. Kristine Turko, professor of psychology at Mount Union and director of the Spectrum Education Center.

Students who participate in the minor will be prepared for careers in autism spectrum disorder intervention and advocacy through rigorous coursework and real-world experiences. Interested students will not only have access to the Spectrum Education Center’s resources, they will also have the chance to receive Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) Program Mentor Training and Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Training. 

“I am particularly excited that our students will gain the experience and content to allow them to gain RBT certification as part of this minor before they graduate,” said Dr. Sandra Madar, founding dean of Mount Union’s College of Natural and Health Sciences. “Mount Union is trying to meet the extraordinary demand for professionals in this area, and this dedicated minor will make the opportunity more apparent to our students from across different majors.”

Learn more at mountunion.edu/autism-studies.