Dub-C Autism Program (D-CAP) : Student Services

Student Services

Levels of Membership

Purple

Required Participation: (5 hours a week)

1 Individual Skill development session/week
1 Group session/week
1 Study hall/week
1 Social session/week

Purple Level is recommended for all Freshman and Transfer students. The focus of the Purple Level is to adjust to the college lifestyle, better understand the social and independent skills required for success, build successful studying habits, and build a supportive community of resources.

Gold

Required Participation: (minimum of 2 hours/week)

2 Individual skill development sessions/month
1 Group or Social session/week
1 Study hall/week

Gold Level is recommended for students whom need less supports in individual skill development areas and have a friend or two on campus. The focus of Gold Level is to assist with evolving adjustments of college lifestyles, maintain social supports and successful study habits, and career development.

Ram I

Required Participation: (minimum 4 hours/month)

1 Individual skill development session/month
3 Group or Social session/month

Ram I Level is recommended for students who need minimum supports with social and independent skills, and are ready to pursue an internship or employment opportunity. The focus of this level is to continue to build skills socially, independently, and professionally. Gold Level targets professionalism skills needed as internship and job searches begin.

Ram II

Required Participation: (minimum 3 hours/month)

1 Individual skill development session per month
2 Group/Social sessions per month
Employment/Internship

Ram II is recommended for those concluding their graduation requirements within 12 month and are making transition plans post-graduation. The focus of the Ram II program is to continue to support socially, independently, and professionally. Ram II supports target degree completion and transition to employment or grad school.

Auxiliary Member

Required Participation: (minimum 4 hours/month)

1 Hour meeting with director per month
3 Group/Social sessions a month

An Auxiliary member is someone who would like to participate in D-CAP, however does not need/wish to participate in an additional Support level.

Skill Development Sessions

Individualized skill building sessions to discuss goals and skill development
Skills will be taught via evidence-based practices, utilizing positive behavior supports and based on the science of applied behavior analysis.
Skill development sessions will be monitored and assessed for progress and effectiveness.
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.

Regular appointments are available and encouraged. Must schedule a meeting via phone (610-436-3168) or email Cherie Fishbaugh.

Study Sessions

Arranging a quiet time and area to study can be difficult. D-CAP provides designated 2-hour blocks of time, each day for mandatory “QUIET” time for studying. It is important to note that students are welcome to study at D-CAP during all hours of operation, not just designated quiet blocks.

Group Sessions

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. Infomational sessions may occur during group sessions to build awareness of resources at WCU as well as the community.

Group sessions are held 2 times a week (see calendar)

A support group to discuss a variety of topics including but not limited to:

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

Social Opportunities

Developing friendships in a new environment is difficult. D-CAP plans a minimum of 2 social gatherings a week (this is separate from group meetings). During this time, students may hang out at D-CAP (playing games/talking/movies), walk into town, or go to an event on campus.

D-CAP also has a group called Adventures of D-CAP, which consists of students not on the spectrum at WCU, who attend social gatherings. The Adventures are all linked by the “group me” app providing all students to connect and socialize outside of D-CAP gatherings.

If you are interested volunteering as a peer not on the spectrum, contact Cherie at cfishbaugh@wcupa.edu or fill out an application.