Towson University’s director of the Hussman Center for Adults with Autism Charlotte Exner won the 2016 Patricia Buehler Legacy Award for Clinical Innovation from the University of Southern California’s Chan Division of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy on February 5.
Hussman Center for Adults with Autism Director Charlotte Exner
As part of the award, the former College of Health Professions dean gave a keynote address entitled, “Enhancing Opportunities for Adults with Autism to Live as Fully Engaged Members of their Communities.”
Highlights of the talk included:
- a description of assets and challenges of adults with autism relative to current expectations of adults in our society
- a description of the core concepts and philosophy that guide the Hussman Center for Adults with Autism
- identification of Hussman Center strategies that meet key needs through creative, inclusive programming
- the present staff’s role in the growth of the center since its inception.
During the address, Exner taught attendees about the Hussman Center’s evolution and current model—located on a university campus with a core emphasis on student learning—featuring inclusion, presumed competence, and opportunities for engagement (participation) with students for mutual learning.
