CONWAY, Ark. (KATV) – The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) plans to launch a new program in fall 2025 as part of its Living Learning Communities that will serve students with autism and other neurodivergent diagnoses.

The new program will be called Autism Support Center for Executive Functioning and Neurodiversity (ASCEND) and will connect students with other students and resources on campus that will ensure they have a successful academic career.

Those interested in participating in the program are encouraged to register by January 31, 2025, to ensure on-campus housing is available.

The program will be headquartered in the RISE Living learning community in Hughes Hall, near the College of Education, the Christian Cafeteria, the UCA Police Department and the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Building (HPER).

The goal of the RISE Living Learning Community is to bring together students from different majors to create a set of interests for careers in education and public service.

“Students with autism can already receive necessary accommodations for their academic and residential experience by registering with the UCA Office of Accessibility Resources and Services,” said Doris Pierce, director of the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services. accessibility. “We are excited to see how the ASCEND program will provide neurodivergent students with the opportunity to connect socially as a community.”

Those who participate in ASCEND will benefit from a lower sensory environment, connections to student success resources, and an educational coordinator dedicated to meeting the needs of neurodivergent first-year students living in on-campus residence halls.

“The ASCEND program is another example of the work Living Learning Communities is doing to ensure that every UCA student finds a community that meets their needs and helps connect them with other students to create a culture of learning. “belonging in their first year,” said Patricia Smith, dean of the Schedler Honors College and Learning Communities.

Those interested in learning more about ASCEND can click here.