Autism Program at Ancilla College Launches

Students participating in APAC will live on-campus.

Ancilla College officials have unveiled an immersive learning program for students on the autism spectrum. The Autism Program at Ancilla College includes on-campus housing and will provide a pathway for an associate’s degree for students with high intellectual abilities who face communication, social interaction and group education challenges.

Ancilla modeled its program after Mercyhurst University’s Autism Initiative. Through APAC, students would have a pathway to a bachelor’s degree at the Pennsylvania school upon completing an associate’s at Ancilla.

During an interview last year with Inside INdiana Business, Ancilla President Ken Zirkle said he wants the program to become a national model. Officials have considered creating online components for the program and extending the partnerships to additional colleges and universities.