Jacksonville State University should have a new center for autism studies up and running by this summer.
The center's director, Janet Bavonese, who is also head of the school's Department of Curriculum and Instruction, said school officials are already in the process of outlining the center's first year goals.
"The response from the community and elsewhere has been incredible," Bavonese said. "It shows that there is a need for this type of facility."
The center was created to prepare education professionals on how to interact with students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. While some special education teachers may receive some professional learning on autism, general educators may not. Yet they may have to deal more with autistic students in a classroom setting.
"They may not have had the specific types of training in working with Autism Spectrum Disorders," Bavonese said. "That means dealing with general communication issues, a student's difficulty with relationships or ability to grasp abstract concepts."
The center will also train teachers on working with students and families.
The idea for the center began with the school's Autism Conference, which annually features professional development for teachers.
Valerie Wheat, special education instructor, said the center itself will serve as a support base and an advocacy center for families and students. "We hope to provide opportunities for transition from high school and college into the community," Wheat said.