Arizona State University has received a $100,000 gift to establish a new endowment fund for researchers studying issues concerning adults with autism.
The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation (DJFF), a non-profit focusing on adult autism, made the donation to get support from the university’s College of Public Services and Community Solutions for one of its fellows at the graduate or post-graduate level in public policy.
The fellow will develop the national policy agenda and a white paper on issues faced by families and the adults diagnosed with autism.
“The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Adult Autism Public Policy Fellowship Endowed Fund is the first endowed fund in the nation to support the creation of a unified, national adult autism public policy agenda and white paper,” Linda J. Walder, founder and executive director of the Foundation, said.
“Both will bring together stakeholders and professionals to focus on issues that impact those on the lifelong journey of autism.”
The fellow is also entrusted to ensure the implementation of the developed agenda and white paper by the legislators and other stakeholders whose work affect the adults with autism and their families.
“This builds on the great collaborative work with First Place that is driving innovation in this critical area,” Jonathan Koppell, Dean of the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, said.
“The gift from DJFF is actually the first to our newly renamed Watts College, and it speaks eloquently to our philosophy,” he added.
