Who We Are
Longhorn TIES (Transition, Illuminate, Empower, Success) within New Student Services coordinates and facilitates autism and neurodiversity initiatives at The University of Texas at Austin. Longhorn TIES seeks to enhance the student experience for students who identify as being on the autism spectrum or neurodivergent through advocacy, connections, and training starting with the New Student Orientation process and continuing throughout the student’s tenure at the University.
Longhorn TIES encompasses TIESplus and drop-in neurodivergent student support services, #NDatUT campus-wide programming and events, presentations, trainings, and more.
April is Autism Acceptance Month! Autism Acceptance Month is a time to raise awareness to promote autism acceptance, to celebrate each individual's unique differences, and to foster connectedness! 
What We're Fundraising For
Since Spring 2020, Longhorn TIES has provided over 2,000 hours of one-on-one individualized coaching support to address neurodivergent students' academic, social and career-related goals. Over time, students have identified opportunities to establish meaningful social connections as a key component to their well-being.
In response to this need, Longhorn TIES established #NDatUT (Neurodiversity at UT) programs and events in Spring 2022. #NDatUT programs provide monthly events and workshops for neurodivergent Longhorns and friends. Our team of #NDatUT student employees plan and promote these monthly events, which include activities such as crafts, discussion, and various life and social enrichment programs. Through peer-to-peer support activities, these programs have created a space for students to foster connection and build confidence.
"The activities were perfect, and it was so nice how a staff explained the different things going on when I got there. I almost didn't come to this event. Partly because I was worried I wasn't ‘neurodivergent enough’ to be going to the event, and because I didn't think there would be a lot of people, but I will definitely be going to the future ones.”
- Neurodivergent student who attended a #NDatUT event
We are fundraising to continue and expand #NDatUT programs and events. Your financial support will allow us to develop and implement a series of interactive workshops focused on well-being and supporting the whole student. Your contribution could fund workshops led by experts on a variety of topics related to well-being such as: independent living, physical health, social health, and more.
Your Impact
With your support, we can continue to provide and expand events for #NDatUT programs, including socials, well-being programs, networking opportunities, and more. Your support will make an immediate, positive impact to the overall well-being of autistic and neurodivergent students here at UT Austin. In celebration of Autism Acceptance Month, consider donating to our campaign!
“#NDatUT provides neurodivergent students, like myself, with a safe space to let their guard down and hang out with neurodivergent peers. Knowing that there are so many other students on campus like me makes navigating college feel a lot more manageable and a lot less lonely.”
- #NDatUT Student Liaison
