Proud to be a member: College of DuPage student, Mike Rettinger along with his mom Mary Jo Rettinger are members of the new group Autismerica at the college. The group made up of autistic students and their parents. The group's name was created by the students. | Mary Compton~For Sun-Times Media
(From left) Nelly Smith, Oliver Smith, Jason Zielinski, Benjamin Zielinski, Sheryl Ebersold, Michael Duggan, Matt Wilburn, Mary Lou Wilburn, Mike Rettinger, Mary Lou Rettinger and Melissa Weber are members of the College of DuPage group Autismerica. The group, which has about 50 members, is made up of students with autism and their parents. | Mary Compton~For Sun-Times Media
Not just for kids: College of DuPage student Oliver Smith and his mom Nelly Smith look over the college's website. They are members of the college's new group called Autismerica. Parents sometimes join other parents for support while the Autismerica students meet. | Mary Compton~For Sun-Times Media
Getting things started: Michael Duggan, counselor at College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, holds a card promoting Autismerica, a group he helped found. | Mary Compton~For Sun-Times Media
Just for the fun of it: Michael Duggan, counselor at College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, plays pool with some of the students in the group called Autismerica. | Mary Compton~For Sun-Times Media
Autismerica members: College of DuPage student Matt Wilburn and his mom Mary Lou Wilburn are part of the new group at the college called Autismerica. | Mary Compton~For Sun-Times Media
Autistic students find support in new College of DuPage group
When College of DuPage counselor Dr. Michael Duggan and his colleagues sent letters announcing a new social and support organization to the approximately 120 students who identified themselves as autistic, they had no idea how many people would show up at the first meeting. “We … Read More