“It’s not fair to ask students with autism to advocate for themselves, just like it’s not fair to ask someone in a wheelchair to walk up some stairs,” said Jordan Spencer, school psychologist and autism liaison supervisor.
The autism liaison service at Mississippi State University provides students with autism the opportunity to succeed at the collegiate level.
Students in the program are accepted on their own merit under the same specifications as other applicants and graduate with standard degrees from MSU. Upon their acceptance to MSU, students with autism receive support from liaisons to help them adjust to college life.
Autism spectrum disorder is a pervasive, developmental disorder in which people experience communication and interaction deficits. As a result, many people with the disorder engage in restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior. Because the severity of the disorder varies, it is classified as a spectrum according to the National Institute of Mental Health 
Autism liaison Alex Clarke said people with autism typically have limited interests and sometimes lack proper social skills.
“You’ll notice that these individuals really only talk about one or two things, and they are really adamant about that,” Clarke said. “You’ll find that a lot of our students do not engage in a lot of social activity or lack the skills to do so.”
Spencer said the liaisons work as an adaptive resource for the students’ specific needs. Liaisons are expected to meet students where they are and support them with any means necessary.
“We are helping a population whose disability makes it hard to advocate for themselves,” Spencer said.
The autism liaison service steps in where the Student Support Services fails autistic students. While individuals in the Student Support Services are encouraged to become their own advocates, the autism liaison service recognizes autism itself hinders self-adovaction, Spencer said.
“Seeking out and finding resources for themselves is more of a complicated task for people with autism,” Spencer said.
The students in the autism liaison service have the option of participating in weekly, biweekly or monthly meetings based on their individual needs to promote academic, social and individual improvement. Students also have the option of participating in monthly socials with other students in the program.
Whitney Driskell, autism liaison and social coordinator, said what sets the MSU Autism Liaison Service apart is the fact it is completely free, while other colleges charge thousands of dollars for similar services.
“For Mississippi State to offer this program for free really does set their campus apart, and it says ‘We don’t care who you are or what you’re up against, we’re here to help you succeed,’” Driskell said.