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Back row, from left: Cassidy Fawcett (PSY), Jenna Madsen (SPA) and Nyla Norman (SW). Front row, from left: Natalie Tapia Rodriguez (SW) and Ellie Crawford (PSY).
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A Rebuild Success: Interdisciplinary Collaboration in the WIU Autism Clinic of Excellence

October 14, 2026

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL - Western Illinois University's Social Work students are joining forces with the WIU Autism Clinic of Excellence (WACE). Recent institutional restructuring opened valuable avenues for cross-disciplinary collaboration. The bachelor's degree in Social Work (BSW) program recently moved to Memorial Hall as part of the new School of Applied Clinical, Educational and Professional Programs, as part of an effort to strengthen connections between academic programs and applied learning opportunities for students and that is exactly what it is doing.

Established in 2023 under the leadership of Nicole Pierson and Leigh Ann Fisler, the WIU Autism Clinic of Excellence represents a joint initiative between the Psychology and Speech Pathology and Audiology programs.

"By training students through an interdisciplinary model now, we are teaching them how they can and should interact with other professionals in their chosen career fields," Fisler said.

For social work students who are now involved in WACE, the experience provides an opportunity to work directly with a clinical program while still completing their undergraduate coursework.

"Students in our Macro Social Work class learn about the important role community organizations play and the services they provide. I think partnering with WACE is a great opportunity for students to take what they're learning in the classroom and use it in a way that can make a real difference in our community. I am excited to see how this relationship with the clinic continues to grow and develop," Joshua Connor, assistant professor of Social Work, said.

Natalie Tapia Rodriguez and Nyla Norman are two Social Work students who are completing their service learning project at WACE. Rodriguez said her first day working with the Autism Clinic was something she will always remember.

"It is one of the best experiences I have had in my life," Rodriguez said. "Coming together with different fields to serve families is exactly what we need to be learning in our macro class."

"It is such a great and rewarding learning experience to meet families and connect them to resources," Norman said.

Debra Allwardt, Social Work program coordinator, stated "We have been incredibly welcomed by the new school and we are excited about opportunities to partner with the Autism Clinic and the Speech-Language Hearing Clinic."

"I am thrilled to offer this opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration and I feel so fortunate to be under the leadership of Amanda Silberer, who prioritizes partnerships that serve our community as well as offer students tremendously beneficial learning opportunities," Pierson said.

"Our clinic is doing important things in this region and expanding cross-disciplinary participation further enhances the scope and quality of support we provide to local families."

For more information on WIU's Autism Clinic, visit wiu.edu/autismclinic/.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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