UM Ranked No. 7 Nationally for Assisting Students With Autism
MISSOULA – Outside of her studies, Mary Fahlman spent much of her time at the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ helping Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ with autism navigate college life. She is part of the reason UM recently was ranked .
“It’s our job as Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ to incorporate inclusion and kindness into our everyday lives,” said Fahlman, a senior who will start UM’s graduate program in speech therapy next fall. “Working with my fellow Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ has been really fun and has inspired me professionally.”
She assists with an organization called Mentoring, Organization and Social Support for Autism/All Inclusion on Campus (), which was designed to support those who need just a bit more help.
“MOSSAIC helped me understand that there is more to an individual than what meets the eye,” she said. “Working as a mentor, I learned that differences should be celebrated, and uniqueness is beautiful.”
Jennifer Schoffer Closson directs MOSSAIC, which is housed in UM’s . She said Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ in the program are assisted with executive functioning, written language, social skills and inclusion. Through a multitiered system of support, most MOSSAIC participants receive direct speech-language therapy services, participate in peer mentoring and attend Tuesday evening meetings for social support.
“The individuals participating in MOSSAIC – both mentee and mentors – are creative individuals who each offer their own uniqueness to make MOSSAIC a beautiful intricate artwork,” Closson said.
She said UM is known for being an inclusive and diverse campus. All people are welcome, including those who experience neuro-diversity.
“UM supports people with diverse abilities through Disability Services for Students,” Closson said. “Conferences such as DiverseU and organizations like the Branch Center ensure that everyone belongs. Beyond this, Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ with autism and related disorders benefit from programs like MOSSAIC.”
For those interested in participating in the MOSSAIC program or becoming a peer mentor, email jennifer.closson@mso.umt.edu.
is an organization that helps people find the best education for their careers. It uses detailed, evidence-based methodologies to independently rank schools and programs across the country – from four-year undergraduate degrees on a traditional campus to online programs for mid-career professionals of any age.
###
Contact: Jennifer Schoffer Closson, director of UM’s MOSSAIC program, jennifer.closson@mso.umt.edu.