Students on the Spectrum

Thousands of students are pursuing degrees at Pittsburgh-area colleges and universities.

Some pose challenges the schools may not be equipped to deal with. They're students with autism spectrum disorders, a growing group.

Those with autism may have trouble with language or relating to others. They tend to get overly fixated on things. Those with milder conditions on the spectrum like Aspergers exhibit those symptoms to a lesser degree. It is associated with average or above average intelligence.

AHEADD - Achieving in Higher Education with Autism/Developmental Disabilities - is a seven-year-old independent Pittsburgh-based program that helps students on the spectrum as they make their way through college, helping them with everything from their academics to their romantic relationships.

Listen to the story here.