2018 Best Audio Storytelling (Smaller Staff) Finalist: Catherine Komp

“As Autism Diagnoses Increase, Just One Virginia University Offers Formal Support Program”

About the Entry

Across the country, a growing number of youths with autism are entering college. Without supports, these students risk failing or dropping out. In Virginia, only one university provides a specific program to assist students on the autism spectrum.

Comments from the Judges

“Nice series on autism in different age group. Kudos to the reporter for getting tape of autistic college students role playing in social situations. The subject is interesting and the programs sound helpful.”

“A really important subject thoroughly and sensitively told. I especially appreciated her emphasis in the first piece on university programming (and the lack thereof).”