MSU Denver
Our Focus
Warm Greetings!
The ISSAC program focuses on supporting adults with autism in achieving academic success, developing meaningful relationships, and attaining competitive employment.
Students on the autism spectrum may need specialized supports to be successful in their college education. At the Department of Speech, Language, Hearing Sciences, the Integrated Supports for Students on the Autism spectrum in College (ISSAC) program offers support- and strengths-based programming for students on the autism spectrum at Metropolitan State University of Denver.
We focus on creating:
- a supportive and meaningful college experience for our students
- opportunities to engage in communication and social interactions with peers
- opportunities to develop independent self-advocacy skills for college navigation
- opportunities to discuss time management and organization during our students’ time in college
- opportunities to discuss and practice work-related communication
Services/Support:
- group-based conversational interactions and relationship building fun/interactive activities
- group-based videogaming interactions
Who can enroll: This program is currently offered for students registered in any undergraduate or graduate major at Metropolitan State University of Denver, Colorado.
Cost: There is currently no cost for enrollment or services.
Program Director:
Siva priya Santhanam, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Assistant Professor
Department of Speech, Language, Hearing Sciences
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Schedule:
- Sessions for Spring 2022 begin in February.
Faculty & Student Resources
ISSAC Resources for Students
Ongoing Research
College Student Experiences
Who can participate?
A student with or without a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, 18 year or older.
What is the goal of this research study?
The goal of the study is to understand the communication and social experiences of student with diverse learning abilities.
What will I be asked to do?
You will complete an online survey. The survey includes questions on your social and communication skills. It would take about 20 to 30 minutes of your time to complete. Your participation in this survey is completely voluntary. Thank you for your time! You can complete the survey here.
Faculty Attitudes toward Students with Disabilities
Who can participate?
Full-time or part-time faculty members teaching at Metropolitan State University of Denver.
What is the goal of this research study?
The goal of the study is to understand the attitudes and practices of faculty members toward students with disabilities.
What will I be asked to do?
You will complete an online survey. The survey would take about 20 to 30 minutes of your time to complete. Your participation in this survey is completely voluntary. Thank you for your time! You can complete the survey here.
Contact
Please contact Dr. Siva priya Santhanam at [email protected] if you have any questions regarding these research studies.
ISSAC in the Media
Featured Articles
Second-Year Autism Support Program Serves 17 Students in Spring
ISSAC was founded by SLHS professor Siva priya Santhanam in fall 2018 and is counseling 17 students for the spring 2020 term.
ISSAC gives students with autism needed access
A new program, called ISSAC, helps students with autism feel at home.
Why we all need to understand the needs of students with disabilities
Embracing practices to meet the needs of students with disabilities also helps us make the classroom a better place.
Publications
Featured Publications
Perspectives of Adults With Autism on Social Communication Intervention
Learn about the experiences and views of adults with autism when receiving social communication intervention from SLPs
Social Communication Intervention for an Adult with Asperger Syndrome
Learn about the experiences faced by adults with Asperger Syndrome when receiving social communication intervention.
Integrated Supports for Students with Autism in College (ISSAC) Presentations
- Santhanam, S., (2020). The SLP’s role in Supporting Young Adults with Autism in Postsecondary Settings. Oral seminar presented at the Metro Speech and Language Symposium, Lonetree, Colorado.
- Santhanam, S. (2020). Writing Skills in Individuals with Autism. Oral seminar presented at the MSU Denver Writing Center, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Colorado.
- Santhanam, S. (2019). Beyond Highschool: Considerations Professionals Working with Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism. Online seminar presented at San Luis Valley Health, Alamosa, Colorado.
- Santhanam, S. (2019). Autism in Adults. Oral seminar presented at Rocky Vista University Osteopathic School of Medicine, Clinical Grand Rounds, Aurora,
- Santhanam, S. (2019). Planning Beyond Highschool: Common Considerations for Parents of Children with Autism. Oral seminar presented at Douglas County Schools, Highlands Ranch, Colorado.
- Santhanam, S. (2019). Teaching Strategies that Reduce Barriers and Enhance Learning and Engagement in College Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Oral seminar presented at the Colorado Adult Learning Symposium, University of Denver, Colorado.
- Santhanam, S. (2019). When “Rain Man” Goes to College: Understanding Supports for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Oral seminar presented at the MSU Denver Professional Development Conference, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Colorado.