Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst: Transformative experiences beyond campus
(EDITOR’S NOTE: April is Autism Acceptance Month)
A signature component of Mercyhurst University’s program for college students on the autism spectrum is providing them with new experiences beyond campus. During the 15-year history of the Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst (AIM), students have traveled to New York City; Washington, D.C.; Seattle, Washington; and the Grand Canyon, as well as some international destinations.
“The trips represent an incredible opportunity for our students to enjoy new experiences, both socially and professionally,” said Ryan Palm, Executive Director of the Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity, which houses AIM. “We provide real-world experiences on these trips, such as using public transportation, managing a busy schedule, and trying new foods.”
During the pandemic, AIM trips were on pause, but this academic year has sparked a variety of new experiential learning opportunities. Last fall, for example, a group of AIM staff and students attended the College Autism Summit in Nashville, Tennessee, where they networked with peers and learned of advocacy efforts supporting those on the spectrum.
In December, a group of juniors and seniors traveled to New York City where, besides feeling the allure of being in the Big Apple at Christmastime, they visited Ernst & Young (EY). There, they learned about EY’s Neuro-Diverse Center for Excellence, which also included a video conference with two AIM alumni working in the program.
The next stop was at Pfizer. Students were treated to a full slate of activities, thanks to 2023 Mercyhurst alumnus Seth Bowman, an analyst in the Pfizer Resilience Center. They even had lunch on the 66th floor of the company’s new building overlooking Manhattan. Other destinations included JUICE Pharma, an advertising agency; the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where they met with an archaeologist; and a ride on the NYC subway at rush hour.
Spring break brought yet another opportunity as students and staff traveled to Washington, D.C. Stops included Sen. Bob Casey’s office, a meeting with National Autism Coordinator Dr. Susan Daniels, a robotics lab tour at the National Institutes of Health, and an afternoon at KPMG, learning about the various career opportunities at one of the world’s largest financial consultancies.
“I am so grateful for having the opportunity to go on a vocational trip to the DC area,” said junior Jackie Sciulli. “Not only did I have an amazing time, make amazing memories, try new food, and experience career opportunities, but the main reason I'm so happy is that this is the first time I've traveled out of state without family. I feel like that’s a big milestone, and I’m so happy that I did this!”
There have also been other quick trips this year—a venture to Port Farms over fall break, attending the Medieval and Renaissance Worlds Conference in Columbus, and a daylong symposium at JP Morgan Chase in Columbus.
“These vocational exposure experiences are unique because the AIM staff build the trips around the careers and interests of the students,” said AIM Director Amanda Mulder. “The students have a fantastic time discovering potential careers and hearing inspiring stories from professional staff. AIM students represent Mercyhurst well as they talk about their experiences as neurodivergent students; it’s a magical experience to see them thrive on these trips.”
Next on the docket? Three students and three staff are attending a cybersecurity conference in Philadelphia, and six students and three staff are headed to Seattle, Washington, after graduation for a hiking adventure coupled with a vocational stop.
PHOTO: Students pose in front of Pfizer during their December 2023 trip to New York City with staff members, front row, from left, Ryan Palm, Amanda Mulder, Tacie Thomas, and Carrie Hornyak. Mercyhurst graduate Seth Bowman is the Pfizer employee farthest away from the camera.