Info & Application

The services provided by Western Michigan University’s Autism Services Center were developed to support autistic/neurodiverse college students; however, an official diagnosis of ASD or any disability is not necessary. Services are available for WMU students without disabilities as long as there are resources available.

ASC Services

ASC provides support beyond the reasonable accommodations provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act. These services include:

• Weekly one-on-one meetings with an ASC staff member or graduate point person to work on individual short- and long-term academic, social, independent living skills, and employment goals.
• Structured Study Times on a campus location with access to tutors, computers, and printers.
• Workshops and informational sessions that address the needs of the ASC students.
• Communication with parents/support system within the parameters of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• Supported communication between students and their faculty and WMU staff (advisors, residence hall directors, and on-campus employers).
• Increased social opportunities, such as weekly social events, connecting students with similar interests, and an ASC Discord server.
• Regularly scheduled virtual parent/support system meetings for those who want to join.

ASC does not:

• Manage students’ medication.
• Attend classes with students.
• Have staff that is available 24 hours/day.
• Have real time access to students’ grades.
• Communicate with parents/support system if FERPA rights are not waived.

ASC Application and Enrollment Process

The ASC has reached its capacity for the Fall 2025 semester; students interviewed and accepted will be put on a waitlist for the Spring 2026 semester or the 2026-2027 Academic Year.

1. Students must apply and be accepted to by Western Michigan University.
2. Once accepted, students must return a completed ASC application and completed parent/support system questionnaire to ASC.
3. When all items are completed and submitted to ASC, you will be contacted to schedule an interview with the director of ASC.
4. Services are provided on a first-come/first-serve basis, until capacity is reached. Acceptance into ASC will be based on the date of complete application submission. We will contact you within two weeks of the interview with the decision of acceptance or waitlist status; in most cases, students will know the day of the interview if they have been accepted.
5. Once accepted, the $2,500/semester service charge will be added to the student’s WMU account.

What to Expect from the Interview

The interview with the ASC director is a chance for the director to get to know incoming students and their families (if involved), but also for students and families to get to know the ASC director and services. The student’s strengths and needs will be the focus of the meeting. It is also a chance for the ASC director to learn about the student’s goals, interests, and comfort with transitioning to WMU.