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Autism may cause constant challenges, but Ikea Wilson, 21, an art major has learned to embrace what many would consider a disability.

Wilson is a junior at CSU Bakersfield who dreams of becoming a cartoonist and eventually an executive producer of a cartoon for Nickelodeon. She wants her cartoon to have random themes. But she, specifically, wants an episode to be about respecting those with disabilities.

Wilson, who is from Palmdale, Calif. was diagnosed at age three and has a hard time socializing with others. However, she has found a refuge from the anxiety of socialization in drawing and music. She draws cartoons and plays the piano.

Currently, CSUB provides accommodations and support through the office of services with students with disabilities, which according to the website, their mission is “to enable every student, regardless of disability, to have access to a university education.”

Janice Clausen, director of SSD, said there are approximately 180 to 200 students with disabilities. This is counting students in Antelope Valley, but only about 5 of these students are autistic.

Clausen describes autistic students as “super bright individuals who struggle.”

In order to help students with disabilities on campus, especially those with autism, they have established an anchor or mentor program in which students help each other.

“We saw a need for students to spend time with each other,” said Clausen. “I’m really excited. All students struggle but on top of that add a disability.”

Wilson has found support in the services provided for students with a disability. For example, she uses the accommodations in order to be able to sit in the front and regularly goes to the counseling center.

“It gives me a sense that I can talk to someone,” said Wilson about the counseling center.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, autism spectrum disorder is a range of complex neurodevelopment disorders. It is most commonly characterized by impaired social interaction.

There are several types of autism. Classical ASD is the most severe while there are milder types such as Asperger Syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder.

Autism tends to go unrecognized since the symptoms vary. The most common way of evaluating a child with autism is through a “multidisciplinary team of a psychologist, neurologist, psychiatrist, speech therapist and other professionals who diagnose children with ASD.”

The exact cause of autism is unknown but genetics and the developmental process of the brain while in the womb seem to be the leading causes.

Wilson wants other students with disabilities to “learn how to embrace a disability, accept that you have it and take advantage of it.”