Autism Ambassador Aaron Likens Returns to SUNY Canton, Feb. 18
Canton, NY (02/12/2020) — SUNY Canton will be hosting nationally recognized autism ambassador Aaron Likens for a day of awareness-raising presentations.
Likens was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome when he was 20 years old, and authored "Finding Kansas," a book about living and finding peace with this form of autism. Likens will hold three presentations February 18, all of which are free and open to the public.
- A noon session
- A 3 p.m. session
- A 6 p.m. session
All events will be in the SUNY Canton Richard W. Miller Campus Center's Kingston Theater.
There has been a growing demand in all sectors of society to learn more about autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Likens has become one of the most preeminent speakers on the issue and its impact on education, law enforcement, employment and medical care. He emphasizes the need to find ways to "celebrate, not separate" those with autism or other disabilities.
University Police Chief Allan P. Mulkin arranged Likens' visit to help police officers and cadets in the St. Lawrence County - David Sullivan Law Enforcement Academy learn more about spectrum disorders. This visit will be the second time Likens has visited the college to present his unique personal life story.
The event is cosponsored by the college's Student Affairs Division.
About SUNY Canton
SUNY Canton is Northern New York's premier college for career-driven bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and professional certificate programs. The college delivers quality hands-on programs in digital design, engineering technology, health, management and public service. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials. As SUNY's leader in online education, SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as 18 online degree programs. The college placed first in 14 categories in a SUNY-Wide Student Opinion Survey, most notably in career services, tutoring, library resources, and classroom facilities. The college's 15 traditional athletic teams compete at the NCAA Division III level as part of the North Atlantic Conference. SUNY Canton also offers varsity esports and cheerleading.