Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst (AIM)

The mission of the Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst (AIM) is to facilitate and support the successful adjustment and progression of college students on the autism spectrum in all domains of college life, thereby broadening their vocational opportunities, and enhancing social and community engagement. The AIM program strives to accentuate each students’ abilities within the academic, social, emotional, and independent-living domains, while building new skills within the domains where the student may be deficient.

The AIM program offers enhanced services such as:

• Weekly support/assessment meetings
• Peer mentoring
• Priority for specialized housing
• Standardized social opportunities
• Social skills training
• Independence skill development
• Optional meal gatherings to encourage socialization
• Access to staff certified in PEERS (Program for the Educational and Enrichment of Relational Skills)
• Academic support through Autism Support Networking
• Access to AIM Career Path Program