The Hench Autism Studies Program
Mission Statement
The Hench Autism Studies Program at Defiance College serves as a focal point for teaching, scholarship, and action to serve people with autism and their families.
The mission of the Hench Autism Studies Program is to educate Defiance College students for responsible service and citizenship to produce committed professional leaders who will understand the importance of working with and on behalf of people with autism and their families as a way of improving the human condition locally and in the broader world. These students study autism as a complex intellectual question that requires education, compassion, and a commitment to understanding all forms of diversity. As a result, students will acquire invaluable skills to lead and serve within professional communities, whatever professions they may choose.
The Hench Autism Studies Program critically investigates issues related to autism and their impact on individuals, families, and communitie while preparing individuals to enrich lives and develop human potential at all levels.
- The ASD Affinity Program
- The Hench Summer Program
- An undergraduate minor in autism studies
- Professional development opportunities
History of The Hench Autism Studies Program
As parents of a child diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Eric and Deb Hench often felt frustration and isolation as they searched for suitable educational, health, and support services.
The Defiance couple worked hard to help school officials find the right classroom setting. They looked endlessly for physicians, dentists, therapists, psychiatrists, babysitters, and summer camps that were appropriate for youth on the spectrum. Sometimes, after much searching, they found what their son needed. Other times, they did not. Seeing what he called a core need in Northwest Ohio, Eric Hench said there were few services "and a huge lack of information" about ASD, including challenges with sensory processing, emotional regulation, and executive functioning.
In 2007, equipped with 19 years of first-hand experience, the Hench family sat down with Defiance College administrators to design an innovative program to address the multi-faceted needs of a growing population of individuals with autism.
CONTACT US
Hench Autism Studies Program
autism@defiance.edu
Office of Admissions
admissions@defiance.edu
Graduate Studies & Professional Development
gradstudies@defiance.edu
