Event Planned on the Education and Celebration of Autism
March 28, 2016 (Notre Dame, Ind.)—The Department of Communicative Science and Disorders at Saint Mary’s College invites the public to “An Evening of Education and Celebration of Autism” on Saturday, April 9 at 5 p.m. in Little Theatre, Moreau Center for the Arts. Admission is free of charge. The evening will start with a screening of “Stay Then Go,” an independent dramatic film about a mother raising a son with autism. It will be followed by a panel discussion with the screenwriter and others. There will then be a reception in the lobby of O’Laughlin Auditorium that features an art exhibition by accomplished artist Jimmy Reagan, son of Saint Mary’s College alumna Peg Schneeman Reagan ’82. (An identical event is planned for Friday, April 8 exclusively for the college communities of Saint Mary's, Holy Cross College, the University of Notre Dame, and IU-South Bend.)
Doctors diagnosed Jimmy with complex autism at age 2 ½. With limited speech, he found art as a way to express himself. Jimmy has a passion for color, texture, and simplicity for image. His work has been exhibited in several countries. Critics appreciate his art as expressive and inventive while also innocent and sophisticated.
Panelists for the discussion include:
- Peg Schneeman Reagan ’82
- Kelly Reagan, Jimmy’s sister
- Shelli Ainsworth, director and writer, “Stay Then Go”
- Susan Latham '91, associate professor and chair of the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders
- Joshua Diehl, chief strategy officer, Autism Services, Logan Center
In addition to art enthusiasts, Latham hopes that families with autistic family members and professionals in the field attend the event. “We need to celebrate the gifts and talents that every human being brings to the world. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder have many and varied talents to offer society. I’m so happy that our community can join together and celebrate one such person — Jimmy Reagan.”
Check out the event on our Facebook page and RSVP.
About the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders: Saint Mary’s College students in this major study the causes, characteristics, and therapies for various disorders of communication. Upon graduating, students fully understand the fields of speech pathology and audiology by studying the anatomy and physiology of speech. Hearing is also an integral component of the program, as well as courses in psychology, and clinical practicum experiences are available.
About Saint Mary's College: Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Ind., is a four-year, Catholic, residential, women’s liberal arts college offering five bachelor’s degrees and more than 30 major areas of study, such as business, nursing, art, chemistry, and social work. Saint Mary’s College also offers two graduate degrees: a Master of Science and a Doctorate. All programs that fall under these degrees are co-educational and include a Master of Science in Data Science, a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice. Founded in 1844 by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, Saint Mary’s College seeks, according to its mission statement, to educate students, develop their talents, and prepare them to make a difference in the world. Saint Mary’s College ranks among the top 100 Best National Liberal Arts Colleges for 2016 published by U.S. News & World Report. Follow Saint Mary's College on Twitter @saintmarys and @saintmarysnews.
Contact for News Media: Gwen O’Brien, director of media relations, Saint Mary’s College, gobrien@saintmarys.edu (574) 284-4579.