Connect: Autism Support Group

What is Connect:
College students strive to find affinity with themselves (identity), their peers (community), and their University (academics). Connect was created to help foster these relationships and address the unique experiences and challenges of SJSU students with Autism. Connect provides a safe space and learning tools to support student success at SJSU and beyond.

Mission:
To support the development of academic achievement and personal success for SJSU students with Autism. Creating a campus culture centered on awareness, acceptance, and support through cross-campus collaboration and training.

Vision:
Through self expression, academic skill building, and community engagement SJSU students with Autism will gain independence, self-awareness, and community.

Connect Services:

Services are targeted to support the needs of students within a group setting while also providing the opportunity for students to independently apply the information and strategies learned:

  • Weekly Academic and Life Skills Group Sessions (Zoom)
    • Identify area of student needs
    • Apply researched based strategies
    • Create and review academic/personal goals

  • Weekly Community Outings (Connect Friday’s)
    • Attend AEC sponsored social events
    • Engage with other Connect members
    • Explore local community while practicing social skills
  • Disability Management Counseling:
    • Access to 1:1 AEC's Autism Counselor
    • Assistance with identifying academic accommodations, communication needs, and other campus resources
  • Monthly Wellness Support Meeting in Collaboration with CAPS
    • Group setting engagement faciliated by CAPS psychologist and AEC Autism Counselor
    • Identify wellness challenges and support strategies

*Connect services are free. Extracurricular activities/outtings are voluntary and expenses must be paid by the students.

 

How to join Connect:
Students who are interested in joining Connect must first register with the AEC. Once the AEC application and appropriate disability documentation have been submitted, AEC will email the student (at the email address provided in the application) with information about scheduling their “Intake Appointment.”

During the intake appointment the student and counselor fully engage in the interactive process and discuss eligibility, limitations, and reasonable and appropriate accommodations.  This is also the opportunity for the student and counselor to discuss interest in Connect and determine if Connect is the appropriate resource to support the student needs.

Students may also reach out to the AEC to inquire general information about Connect before deciding to register with the AEC.