Cutting-edge programming for autistic adults in Baltimore

By JAMIE ABELL on April 1, 2024

It may have a new home from years past at 7400 York Rd, but the Hussman Center for Adults with Autism (Hussman Center) remains a staple in the Towson University community. Located within the College of Health Professions’ Institute for Well-Being, the Hussman Center provides cutting-edge programming, training and resources for adults on the autism spectrum, TU students, professionals and others in the community.

“We have a unique and exciting opportunity at the Hussman Center to not only provide autistic adults resources and support they need but to engage students at TU in checking their societal biases surrounding autism while doing it,” says Doug DeHaan, center director. “Our programming and support staff make sure all our participants and students feel comfortable, happy and excited to be a part of this amazing community.”

Students with autism at TU can rely on the College Autism Peer Support (CAPS) program. With sessions happening weekly, students can build a community with others and benefit from individual peer mentoring. The group sessions also provide mutual support and professional guidance in areas such as:

• Utilizing personal strengths
• Navigating campus
• Engaging socially with peers
• Practicing life skills
• Developing vocational skills
• Planning post-college life
• Advocating effectively

Members of the community on the autism spectrum and TU students enrolled in IDHP 300, an undergraduate-level diversity education course, can participate in fun activities from dance, craftsmanship and cooking to trivia, gaming and fitness to enhance skills, build community and friendships and learn something new. There is also a Friday Evening Social Group where individuals (autistic or not) might showcase their talents at Open Mic Night, challenge one another for Trivia Night or come dressed to the nines for a holiday celebrations.

Julie Kelly, a current participant in the Hussman Brunch Bunch, says, “I use cooking skills I learn here to cook almost every day at home. I love the equipment – it’s really nice.” Another program participant, Andrew Anderson, enjoys learning new things, like basic knife skills, and eating all the delicious food. “I really liked the monkey bread we made and am looking forward to making breakfast pizza. I’m also looking forward to making pie!” says Anderson.

Graduate students in TU’s occupational therapy and speech-language pathology programs within the College of Health Professions participate and enhance the Hussman Center programming. These students are committed to helping participants gain the skills to live independently. For example, Work Possibilities gives each participant a chance to practice workplace social and communication skills while trying a rotation of jobs around the TU campus. In fact, several of these programs focus on communication, including Communication in the Community where participants will learn more about self-advocating and Technology for Communication where participants will explore different technologies that can aid them in day-to-day communication needs. 

“I really like the programs,” says John Waibel, a previous Work Possibilities and Communication in the Community participant. “We learn about social skills at work – the program is really cool.” Waibel currently enjoys dance and the Hussman Brunch Bunch at the center.

According to Daniel Greives ’12, the Hussman Center has been an integral part of his life since graduating from TU. “Having a group like this allows me to work at enhancing my skills and becoming more independent,” says Grieves. He has participated in Friday Social Group, along with several other programs, and is working towards getting another job with support of people at the Hussman Center.