Wichita State University
Consortium for Adult Autism and Related Disorders (CAARD)
The CAARD (Consortium for Adult Autism and Related Disorders) is a collaborative group of interested and invested WSU faculty, community agencies, individuals with autism/autistic persons, parents, and educators committed to promoting supports and services for autism spectrum disorder.
Mission: The CAARD’s mission is to be a crucial community resource and support system for adults with Autism and related disabilities.
Purpose: The purpose of the WSU CAARD is threefold:
- The first is to provide a sense of place and well-being for young adults with autism spectrum disorder and other related disabilities and their families.
- The second is to facilitate efforts within WSU and the local community to understand and support those individuals.
- Finally, the consortium holds a “no wrong door” philosophy and will facilitate appropriate connections for families and individuals with ASD and other related disabilities seeking resources and support.
The WSU CAARD serves as a hub for the community. It is a network of partnership between agencies who provide services for adults with Autism and other related disabilities. The WSU CAARD serves as a resource for community agencies to help improve systems of care for adults with Autism and related disabilities and their families by supporting evidence-based programs, providing applied learning experiences for WSU students, and providing technical assistance in strategic planning, implementing effective practices and trainings.
If your organization would like to be involved with CAARD activities, contact Dr. Patrick at michelle.patrick@wichita.edu. You will get updates about collaboration meetings and other activities.
Autism Spectrum Psychological Identification, Resources, and Evaluation
About ASPIRE
The ASPIRE program at the Wichita State University Psychology Clinic provides comprehensive diagnostic evaluations for individuals ages 1—26 who may be on the autism spectrum.
Our clinicians use empirically supported tools — including the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition) and other validated measures — to ensure precise, reliable results.
The ASPIRE approach is respectful of each individual's strengths, differences, and developmental profile. Families receive detailed findings as well as tailored recommendations to support educational planning, service access, and strategies that foster growth and success.
Just like a shooting star, ASPIRE helps illuminate the path forward — offering families insight, direction, and confidence as they navigate next steps.
If you're interested in receiving these services, please contact the Wichita State University Psychology Clinic.
Phone: 316.978.3212 or 316.978.3038