CSU receives grant to assist autistic students through college life

By Staff Writer

Colorado State University (CSU) recently announced that it has received a $2.3 million grant to help connect autistic students with mentors, National Public Radio reports.

Officials told the news source that the grant is designed to match mentors with autistic students to help them adapt to situations that they may find to be uncomfortable or difficult. The U.S. Department of Education will fund the Opportunities for Postsecondary Success for five years.

"Many of these students have the potential to be very successful in higher education, then they get here and struggle for social reasons, maybe they have a difficult time communicating with a roommate, or making friends or connecting with their professors," Catherine Schelly, director of the program, told the news source.

The grant will provide scholarships for up to 33 students who receive assistance from the program each year.

Many individuals have found success in therapeutic boarding schools as a way to become more comfortable in difficult situations. These programs can help autistic children by providing education designed to help them overcome the obstacles associated with their condition.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one in 110 children are diagnosed with autism each year.