The University of Illinois' Neurodiversity Initiative

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The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is initiating a new program this fall targeted for students with autism. This program, the Illinois Neurodiversity Initiative (INI), offers services for students throughout college in the academic, social, and professional realms.

The INI operates as an accountability and mentorship program, to provide students with as much support as possible. A major goal of the initiative is to regularly check-in with students to ensure their mental health is supported. As social connectivity can have a positive impact on mental health, this will be a large aspect of the program as well. The students will be mentored and meet together to discuss and practice different skills necessary to converse with others and make friends.

The program also considers life after college, and will incorporate a focus on developing executive skills such as teamwork and meeting deadlines. The involved students will be given opportunities to meet with employers and learn about internship and job opportunities. Parents of the participating students will also be included; support groups will be made so parents can communicate with one another and learn about their child’s progress.

Jeanne Kramer, the director of the university’s Autism Program, notes that statistic that “only 38% of students on the autism spectrum who enter college end up graduating.” The INI program aims to challenge this issue through the plentiful and easily accessible mental health, academic, social, and professional resources offered.

Be sure to check out our information kit on other College Programs for Students with Autism, as well as our Tips for College Freshmen with Autism.