A new common room for young adults with autism is being launched today at Curtin University, with the support of Norton Gold Fields.<\/p>\n
Norton Gold Fields donated $50,000 to develop the common room into a dedicated space for students participating in the Curtin University\u2019s Specialist Mentoring Program (CSMP).<\/p>\n
Curtin University\u2019s Dr Sean Murray, Head of Counselling and Disability, said CSMP was a peer mentoring program designed to support students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to improve academic performance and social development in preparation for employment and an independent adult life.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople with ASD often experience significant difficulties with verbal comprehension, planning, social awareness and group work which can make it difficult to adapt to university life,\u201d Dr Murray said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe CSMP program has been assisting young adults with autism to reach their full potential in education and employment.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Norton Gold Fields Common Room provides a welcoming place for students with ASD to interact with each other and their mentors and work on improving their academic performance and social development.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Norton Gold Fields Common Room is a perfect addition to Curtin University and is a great way for young adults with autism to feel safe and connected with their peers in a controlled and friendly space,\u201d Dr Murray said.<\/p>\n
The generous support from Norton Gold Fields, one of Australia\u2019s largest domestic gold producers, enabled a fit out of much-needed furniture and technology for the students to use in the new space.<\/p>\n
Dr Dianmin Chen, the Non-Executive Director of Norton Gold Fields, said that as a father of a child with autism, the program was close to his heart and one he hoped would grow from strength to strength.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy offering peer mentoring and social group activities, Curtin is ensuring that all students have an equal opportunity to learn and prepare for an independent adult life,\u201d Dr Chen said.<\/p>\n
\u201cNorton Gold Fields is proud to support initiatives such as this which have great potential to improve the educational experience of students for generations to come.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe look forward to following the program\u2019s continued growth and success in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n