The Autism Committee serves as a resource to all MICC staff, participants, and families. The Committee networks with professionals in the autism community to provide up-to-date training to program staff focused on evidence-based practices and current research regarding autism.
The Committee currently consists of five MICC staff including: Nicole Hafermann, Community Program Advisor, Greg Burton, College Program Advisor, Gretchen Griggs, Social Engagement Supervisor, Carley Matsumoto, Evaluation Program Manager, and Becky Waege, Employment Support Specialist, who has led as Committee Chair since 2018.
The Committee organizes monthly trainings for all MICC staff August through April based on suggestions from program staff to continue developing their skills and understanding of how to best support students based on best practices and experts from the community. Some training topics this year included:
- ASD Evidenced-Based Practices and COVID-19,
- Sensory Differences and ASD,
- ASD and Cultural Sensitivity, and
- Developmental Perspective on Sexuality.
Over the past two years, an average of 80% of respondents to our year end evaluation indicated that they had used some form of evidenced-based practice in their work as a result of our trainings. The Autism Committee will continue to look to MICC staff and participants to identify training needs that will have a meaningful impact on our community.
The Autism Committee members are an invaluable resource to ensure MICC is able to provide participants in all programs positive and appropriate learning opportunities and experiences that will support in their independence.