PHILADELPHIA, PA- The School of Graduate Studies at Chestnut Hill College is pleased to announce that Ashley Miller, M.S., a 2012 graduate of the Administration of Human Services program was selected to present at the 2013 National Organization of Human Services Conference in Baltimore, Md. in late October.

Miller’s poster project, “I Turned Eighteen, So What Happens Now: Needs and Service Barriers for Adults with High Functioning Autism” highlights the increased numbers of adults with Autism, and the lack of emphasis and barriers to necessary supports for adults with high-functioning Autism, including cost, legislation, unqualified staff, and history and severity of behavioral disorders. Her work highlights the negative implications the changing of the definition of “Autism” by the American Psychological Association will have on children and adults with high-functioning Autism, resulting in a significant percent of this population no longer qualifying for supports.

“I was excited to be one of ten individuals nationwide who had the opportunity to present at the conference, especially so early in my career,” said Miller. “My presentation was actually on my graduate project which is a topic I'm passionate about. I enjoyed networking, attending other workshops when I wasn't presenting, and raising awareness about my topic. I came home from the conference with a lot of relevant information I have been using in my work. I am looking forward to attending next year’s conference.”

Since graduating with her undergraduate degree five years ago, Miller has been working at Child and Family Focus in Valley Forge, an organization that provides community based services for children with a mental health diagnosis. She splits her time between doing direct work (individual and family therapy and case management) and program administration with a long term goal of starting her own nonprofit.