Asperger Syndrome

 

Welcome

RCPD works together with Michigan State University to provide academic and workplace services and accommodations to individuals with Asperger Syndrome. Asperger Syndrome, an Autism Spectrum Disorder, is a diagnosed developmental disability that affects an individual’s social and communication skills. Asperger Syndrome substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as learning and performing essential job functions. RCPD works to foster independence in the learning process, and assists both students and employees in learning to utilize appropriate strategies, accommodations, and other resources. We look forward to working with you to help maximize your experience at MSU! For more information about Asperger Syndrome please visit the Asperger Society of Michigan.

Getting Started with RCPD (MyProfile)

Log on to MyProfile to register with the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities. MyProfile provides online forms and initiates communication with a Disability Specialist.

Documentation

Individuals diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome must provide recent documentation (a suggested guideline for recency is 3 years) including a case history prior to an initial meeting for a needs assessment.

Documentation of a disability must appear on official letterhead from a licensed medical or diagnostic professional and include:

• a specific statement of the diagnosis
• area(s) and degree of involvement
• summary of related functional limitations (including social, behavioral, and academic)
• recommendations for accommodations

After documentation of a disability has been provided and a needs assessment is completed, reasonable accommodations are determined. RCPD will provide a verification letter that includes: (a) verification of disability and status as a student or employee registered with the RCPD (b) an outline of reasonable accommodations.

Students will receive a Verified Individualized Services and Accommodations letter, otherwise known as a VISA.

Employees will receive a Statement of Employee Accommodation Determination letter, otherwise known as a SEAD.

Confidentiality

RCPD adheres to strict standards of confidentiality in the management of student information. Since RCPD is the only holder of disability documentation, all disability-related documentation should be directed to RCPD (not other campus departments).

Requesting Accommodations

RCPD recognizes that accommodations may be required in order to assist individuals in maximizing their educational and workplace experience at MSU. While the university provides reasonable accommodations, we do not change essential academic requirements or job functions. Accommodation determinations are based on documentation and individualized needs assessment.

Before Requesting Accommodations, students and employees must Identify and Register as a person with a disability and provide appropriate documentation of their disability to RCPD. Employees should refer to the Reasonable Accommodations Policy for University Applicants and Employees, for the procedure on requesting worksite accommodations.

Students and employees with asperger syndrome may be eligible to receive the following accommodations facilitated by RCPD::

• Accessing Alternative Format Materials
• Accessing Notetaking Assistance
• Alternative Testing
• Assistive Technology
• Individualized assessment
• Consultation and advising on student needs
• Consultation with faculty and/or supervisors on accommodations
• Assistance with University academic orientation and enrollment
• Provide concrete examples to explain expectations and consequences

Resources

• Asperger Society of Michigan
  
• Autism Society of America
  
• Autism Society of Michigan 
• Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
  
• MAAP Services for Autism, Asperger's and PDD
  
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
  
• The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
  
• O.A.S.I.S. - Online Asperger Syndrome Information & Support
• MSU Counseling Center
• MSU Employee Assistance Program
  
• MSU Learning Resource Center

Building Community

MSU provides many venues for collaboration and community building on disability issues. Please consider becoming involved in organizations including:

• Autism Network International (ANI)
  
• Autism Society of America
  
• Council of Students with Disabilities
  
• President's Advisory Committee on Disability Issues

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have further questions that have not been answered on this page, please refer to the FAQ Page.

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Contact Information

Virginia Rutan Cognitive Disabilities Brain Injury Student-Athlete Liaison (517) 884-1908

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