Groundbreaking Model To Meet Rising Challenges of Autism
At a time when an estimated one in 59 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a rate that has increased almost 100% in the last 10 years, it is more vital than ever to develop new models that rise to the challenge of providing services to the increasing population of adults with ASD. Rutgers’ Center for Adult Autism Services’ integrated approach to service, research, and training programs serves as a groundbreaking model. KSS’s design for their new facility will make possible the seamless orchestration of these complementary programs while mirroring Rutgers’ interdisciplinary approach to addressing the real-life, complex issues of ASD.
Located on the picturesque Douglass Campus of Rutgers University-New Brunswick, the new facility will more than double the program’s capacity from 12 to 30 participants. The new building will include vocational and life skills teaching areas, staff offices, professional kitchen equipment, high-tech meeting rooms, all in a welcoming environment for program participants and the entire Rutgers community.
The Pilot Residential Program will be housed in a second building to accommodate 20 adults with ASD and 20 Rutgers graduate students living side-by-side. Consisting of one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom residences, each with its own kitchen, dining, living, and laundry rooms, the Center will mark a new step in creating a living and learning community with services tailored to meet individual needs.
