SLIPPERY ROCK — Slippery Rock University has been named one of the nation's best small colleges or universities for students on the autism spectrum.

SRU was named by appliedbehavioranalysisprograms.com as one of the 30 best small schools for students on the spectrum for 2020.

“At Slippery Rock University, students on the autism spectrum are offered ample support through the university's ATLAS Program,” the site said in its listing.

Natalie Burick, director of disability services at SRU, said she has watched the growth of the ATLAS program carefully. ATLAS stands for Autism Transitions for Learning, Achievement and Support.

“We have a lot of focus on the program,” she said.

Burick said the office of disability services works with between 7 to 8 percent of SRU's student population, or between 600 and 700 of SRU's 8,806 students enrolled in the fall.

According to Burick, of that number, the department works with around 30 students on the autism spectrum.

“We take a more holistic approach,” Burick said. “I feel what sets us apart is we do spend that time with the students individually.”

This is an excerpt of a story that will appear in Tuesday's Butler Eagle. To read the full article, make sure to pick up a copy of the paper or subscribe online.