This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Utah has the highest rate of autism spectrum disorder in the United States — 1 in 47 children. Within this group, there is an unemployment rate of 32.5 percent.
Using Google's Sketchup software, the University of Utah's iSTAR program teaches grade school students and young adults with autism social skills, self-confidence and to be very good with technology. And not just good in a good-for-someone-with-challenges way.
To have a non-traditional student "try" to get into a post-secondary school here is a nightmare. It is definitely not a disability-friendly system. I located one scholarship program available for young adults with autism, and found that it was a surprise to the school.
There are many individuals on the autism spectrum who have overcome tremendous challenges to be in a position to pursue post-secondary education. However, the support and assistance are not there.
Would it not be better to focus and develop their talents so that they have the skills for potential employment and to be self-sufficient?
Instead, upon leaving high school, many young adults with autism become couch potatoes.
Bettie Magill
West Jordan