Dr. Wesley Wynne, professor of Psychology at Sul Ross State University, and Joseph Olan, Title V grant director, organized a student seminar earlier this month to promote autism awareness.

“New Horizons for Helping” was held on Saturday, April 13, on the Sul Ross Eagle Pass campus. Keynote speakers were local attorney Catrina Purcell Longoria and local businessman O.J. De Los Santos.

These two community leaders are working together on a long-term effort to improve access and availability of the services needed to support children with autism. Other speakers included Carlos Chacon, Daniel Regalado, Joseph Olan and Melissa Banda Wynne.

More than 30 Sul Ross psychology students and their guests attended.

The speakers explained the basics of autism, and shared personal stories and insights about living with autism and raising children with the condition. Currently, one in 36 children in the U.S. has autism, according to the CDC.

The seminar was designed both to raise awareness of autism and to stimulate interest among Sul Ross students in pursuing careers in the helping professions.

For more information, email wwynne@sulross.edu.