The Melisa Nellesen Center for
Autism
At Utah Valley University

 

The Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism at Utah Valley University improves the quality of life for those living and working with Autism Spectrum Disorder by providing education and training to professionals, providing evidence-based services and education, and fostering a community of belonging.

Programs & Offerings

For students with ASD, please contact Accessibility Services

Professional Careers

We encourage and support those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to more fully realize their potential and utilize their strengths through higher education, social experiences, independent living and career guidance. We believe our students can live a healthy life filled with opportunities to succeed.

Services For UVU Students

Led by enthusiastic expert teachers and peer-mentors utilizing current best practices, the Passages program empowers current and prospective UVU students with autism-spectrum conditions to develop the awareness, skills and supports they will need to succeed in personal, academic and social aspects of adult life.

Communities, Partnerships, Services & Resources

The Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism at Utah Valley University connects those living and working with autism spectrum disorder to the variety of supports currently offered throughout their local community.

Wolverines Elevated

Wolverines Elevated is a three-year certificate program for young adults with intellectual disabilities. The program is in its first year as a model TPSID (Transition & Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities) program, with funding from the United States Department of Education. Individuals (age 18-25) with intellectual disabilities are welcome to apply.

Application

Events

Autism Conference to be held February 24, 2023

Autism Conference 2021 Banner
The Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism is pleased to announce the 12th annual Autism Conference at Utah Valley University. This year the theme is Bridging Gaps, Improving Lives.

Peter Gerhardt has agreed to be our Keynote speaker. More details to come very soon!

Starting in 2023, we will host a pre-conference event, on a specialized topic, annually. We have prepared an entire day of breakout sessions focused on Autism and Sexuality. Please join us on February 23, 2023, for a day of informative workshops from experts across the country. Sessions are designed for autistic adults, parents, professionals, and educators.

We plan to provide CEUs for BCBAs and Social Work
Submit Your Proposal Here

Events

Children with ASD playing together
For more information regarding upcoming events, please follow the link below.
Events

Super Spectrum Art Showcase

Super Spectrum Art Showcase photo
We are happy to announce our call for art is now open! Please share your art for the upcoming Super Spectrum Showcase and Soiree, to be held on November 11, 2022.

Submit your art here!

Deadline for submission is September 30 at 5 p.m.
Super Spectrum Showcase and Soiree Submission Details.

Who can submit art?
The show is designed to highlight the work and unique perspectives of autism. Age range is 1-100.

Is there a limit to the number of pieces one artist can submit?
We have many artists that submit numerous pieces each year. We currently have no limit for per person submissions. However, we reserve the right to display art virtually rather than in person based on spacing capacity and display needs in our building.

What are the requirements of the submissions?
We accept all mediums and forms of submissions. However, depending on the number of submissions we receive, we reserve the right to display virtually rather than in person based on spacing capacity in our building. We PREFER that artwork be framed with a wire attached the back for optimal hanging options (if applicable).

How and Where will the art be available to view?
The art will be available to view in several formats this year. We will continue to show art through our virtual showcase, but we are excited to announce that we will have a live art show again this year on November 11, 2022. Families and friends are welcome to attend. We will have live performances. You can also meet some of the artists. This year we have a third option for display, through our friends and community partners at Thanksgiving Point.
They will be supporting our art hanging this year and will have an area located at their facility for some of the submissions on a temporary basis.

How long will the art be on display?
The art will stay on display for a year. It will be available for pick up during summer 2023. If you have a special request to pick up your art earlier, that can be arranged upon request.

I’m interested in donating a piece of art for the permanent collection, how do I do that?
We’d love toinclude your art in our permanent collection in the Cole Nellesen Building. Please contact Laurie Bowen
atlaurie.bowen@uvu.edu or 801-863-8759 for more information.

Donate to permanent collection

In 2022 we had 231 submissions from 69 different artists. Click the link below to see the submissions from last year.

View past submissions
Learn More

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We invite you to support the Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism at Utah Valley University.

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