Dub-C Autism Program (D-CAP)

Tier 1

Required Weekly Participation: (5 hours a week)

• 1- hour Individual Skill Development Meeting
• 1- hour Group Meeting
• 2- hours of Study Hall/ Academic Monitoring
• 1- hour of social hangout

Tier 1 is recommended for all First-Year and Transfer students. The focus of Tier 1 is to adjust to the college lifestyle, better understand the social and independent skills required for success, build successful studying habits, and have a supportive community of resources.

Tier 2

• 1-hour Bi- weekly  Individual Skill Development Meeting 
• 1- hour weekly Group Meeting or Social Hangout
• 1- hour  weekly Study Hall/Academic 

Tier 2 is recommended for students whom need less supports in individual skill development areas and have a friend or two on campus. The focus of Tier 2 is to continue to build skills socially, independently, and professionally. This level targets professionalism skills needs as internships and employment begin.

Tier 3

• 1-hour monthly Individual Skill Development Meeting
• 1- hour  monthly Group Meeting or Social Hangout

Tier 3 is recommended for students who need minimum supports with social and independent skills, and have an internship or employment. The focus of this level is to continue to build skills socially, independently, and professionally. Tier 3 targets professionalism skills needed as students prepare for life post graduation.

 

• Individualized skill building meetings to discuss student-derived goals, strategies, and progress.
• Skills will be taught via evidence-based practices, utilizing positive behavior supports and based on the science of applied behavior analysis.
• Goals will be monitored and assessed for progress, making data-based decisions for future steps.
• Goal Areas include, but may not be limited to:
• Executive Functioning: organization, working memory, complex problem solving, sustained attention, planning/time management, and self-regulation
• Self Care: sleep, hygiene, exercise, nutrition, stress management, over-stimulation, medication management, and budgeting
• Social Competence: verbal and non-verbal communication, initiating/maintaining conversations, senses of humor, theory of mind, social reciprocity, idioms/figurative language, inferences, and understanding levels of friendship.
• Self-Advocacy: self-awareness, anticipating challenges, and ability to access appropriate resources in a timely manner.
• Career Preparation: job search and application processes (networking, resume writing, interviewing) and understanding the social rules in a work environment.

D-CAP is available for studying M-R 8a.m-5 p.m. and Fridays 8 a.m.-1p.m., 4-5 p.m. Group occurs at 2p.m. daily which is not a quiet time to study within D-CAP. On weekends, Room 409 in the library is a dedicated spot for members to utilize. In addition, the Relaxin Rammies Corner is available in the library 7 days a week.

Purpose: To discuss various topics to navigate the transition to college and assist with enhancing the lifestyle/experience. A perfect way to meet others on the Autism Spectrum, build relationships, and network. Informational sessions may occur during group sessions to build awareness of resources at WCU as well as the community.

Group Meetings are held M-F at 2:00p.m. 

Group meeting topics include but are not limited to:

• Organization/time management
• Social skills/communication
• Independent living
• Building/maintaining friendships
• Transportation
• Career/employment
• College lifestyle/problem solving

In Addition, workshops are scheduled with partners across campus including bi-weekly or monthly meetings with the Career Development Center and Counseling Center.

Developing friendships in a new environment is difficult. D-CAP has hangouts Monday-Friday at D-CAP in the evenings. During this time, students may hang out at D-CAP (playing games/talking/movies), walk into town, or go to an event on campus. As young adults, the members choose activities and often plan ahead as to what they would like to do during hangout. 

D-CAP also sets all members up on GroupMe and Discord as well to engage in group chats, get important updates, and invite/accept others to hangout.