Embracing Diversity: Meet Georgia’s Friendliest Campus for Students on the Autism Spectrum

As an educator, I knew my son was language delayed when he was in the Mother’s Morning Out program and his teachers couldn’t understand what he was saying. Only his family (well actually it was only his older sister) could understand his needs. He was later diagnosed as being on the Autism Spectrum and Written Expression Language Disorder. I pulled him from public school in 2013 and built a homeschool learning team for him that included an Orton-Gillingham Tutor, a Montessori Math Tutor, a Biology professor from Spelman College, and I joined every WWII field trip that I could find (because he was immersed in learning about WWII). We participated in two different weekly homeschool cooperatives. So while we were homeschoolers, we weren’t alone schoolers. We kept this routine from 2013 to 2021. When I graduated my son as a homeschool graduate in 2021, this was a huge milestone for us because so many specialists told me that he would only read 50 sight words and his selective mutism would make it difficult for him to function in society.

In December 2022, my son participated in a youth workforce development program called Project Outsource Connect and the purpose of this program was to expose youth 16-24 to career pathways with a paid internship. For six weeks, my son (who never drove alone) drove himself to work each day. He managed his own time card, resolved his own work conflicts, and learned how to advocate for himself. Honestly, my greatest fear had been that I was going to die one day and my son would be unable to take care of himself.  Normally Project Outsource Connect will cover the cost of tuition for a student to participate in a workforce training program but they don’t have a MOU with South Georgia Technical College so we were going to have to pay out of pocket (which so far has been a total of under $600)!

My son decided that he wanted to go to college to study Aviation Maintenance Technology in April after doing an immersive tour at a private aviation maintenance technology program. As a retired Dean of Graduate Studies of one of the largest for profit universities, I was not about to allow my child to walk out of a program burdened with over $60K of debt and this school didn’t even have housing. So add another $30K per year for an off campus apartment. That was a hard NO for me. So I told my son to “google Aviation Maintenance Technology and Georgia Technical Colleges”.  He found four programs but only two had on-campus housing.

He was excited about living on campus and wanted to do a tour.  All of the technical colleges were absolutely amazing but South Georgia stood out because the moment I called Disability Student Services and spoke with Jennifer Robinson, I was sold.  She had me at “Here’s my cell phone and…” because when I was a professor, I always gave my cell phone to my students so that they could always reach me and they didn’t have to go to my campus voicemail.

South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) stands as a beacon of inclusivity and support for students from all walks of life. Among its many achievements, are individuals in key positions–like housing and disability services. Jennifer was knowledgeable, kind and most of all she listened to my needs for my son who had Autism. She answered all questions and even gave me her cell phone number just incase he needed anything during the school year. Peiare never rushed me off the phone and answered all of my questions. I know I wasn’t their only parent but they sure made me feel like I was.

Most importantly I found out that tuition was much less than I anticipated – approximately $2K per semester along with private dorm housing–this college has carved out a reputation as one of Georgia’s most welcoming institutions for students on the Autism Spectrum. With its student-centric approach, faculty commitment, and a myriad of support services, SGTC has successfully fostered an environment where students on the Autism Spectrum can thrive academically and socially.

Understanding Autism Spectrum

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects an individual’s ability to communicate, interact, and perceive the world around them. Each person on the Autism Spectrum experiences the disorder differently, making it essential for educational institutions to recognize and address their unique needs.

The Need for Supportive Institutions

For individuals with ASD, transitioning from high school to higher education can be challenging. Many colleges and universities may not have the resources or understanding to cater to their specific requirements, resulting in feelings of isolation and hindered academic progress. However, South Georgia Technical College has made it a priority to break these barriers and provide a supportive environment where students on the Autism Spectrum can thrive.

The SGTC Difference

Specialized Support Services: SGTC’s approach to inclusivity begins with dedicated support services. The college offers personalized assistance to students with ASD, which includes academic advising, counseling, and accessibility services. Trained staff and faculty members understand the unique challenges faced by these students and work diligently to ensure their success.

Sensory-Friendly Campus: The college has taken significant steps to create a sensory-friendly environment on campus. By incorporating calming spaces, quiet rooms, and designated sensory areas, SGTC ensures that students on the Autism Spectrum have a comfortable and accommodating setting to study and socialize.

Inclusive Extracurricular Activities: SGTC actively promotes participation in extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations. These opportunities allow students to engage with peers, build friendships, and develop essential social skills in a supportive and accepting atmosphere.

Sensitivity Training for Faculty and Students: SGTC prioritizes education and awareness by providing faculty and students with sensitivity training on Autism Spectrum Disorder. By fostering a culture of understanding and empathy, the college creates an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity.

To all of my fellow Autism Parents, take a look at South Georgia Technical College. They are really a small community creating a big footprint for all students but especially for students who are on the Autism Spectrum.

South Georgia Technical College’s commitment to creating a friendly and supportive environment for students on the Autism Spectrum sets a remarkable example for educational institutions across the nation. By fostering inclusivity, understanding, and empathy, SGTC proves that every student, regardless of their background or abilities, can achieve academic success and personal growth when provided with the right support. As Georgia’s friendliest technical college for students on the Autism Spectrum, SGTC paves the way for a brighter, more inclusive future in higher education.