WELCOME TO THE MARQUETTE AUTISM INITIATIVE

The Marquette Autism Initiative (AI) is an interdisciplinary group of researchers, clinicians, stakeholders, and students at Marquette University and in the community.  We aim to coordinate 1) research, 2) programming, 3) education, and 4) outreach efforts to improve the lives of people on the autism spectrum* and their families, while providing high quality training and educational opportunities for the next generation of professionals serving this population. Our work is anchored in the knowledge that collaboration across disciplines is best practice in the world of autism care and research, which simultaneously provides inter-professional, team-, sensitivity, and knowledge-building educational experiences for undergraduate and graduate students. We are funded via a 2018-19 Explorer Challenge award from Marquette University’s Office of Research and Innovation.

*Note. Many self-advocate adults on the autism spectrum indicate a preference in favor of utilizing the term “autistic” to describe themselves, rather than “person with autism.” However, some family members of people on the autism spectrum, and medical professionals, think the term “person with autism” is appropriate. In deference to the multi-faceted, debated topic of identity and labelling, on this website we will utilize a compromise term, “person on the autism spectrum” or “person on the spectrum.” See http://autisticadvocacy.org/about-asan/identity-first-language/ for more information on this topic.

News

All faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members are invited to join the Interdisciplinary Autism Initiative for a film screening hosted in April 2022, which is Autism Acceptance Month.

How to Dance in Ohio is a documentary following a group of autistic teenagers preparing for their first spring formal dance. The film will be screened April 28th at 5:30pm in Wehr Physics 153. Come learn more about the experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum while enjoying free pizza! This event is free and open to the Marquette community and the public.

Next Step Clinic receives Nonprofit Collaboration of the Year award!