BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Lifeworks at Western Kentucky University (WKU) serves as the state's only living and learning transition program for autistic adults. 

The two-year program provides on-campus housing and classes for participants over a 32-course program that helps them live independently. 

“The goal of Lifeworks is to help our loved ones on the autism spectrum and other neurodiversities prepare for the life, the good life,” said Dr. Mary Lloyd Moore, executive director of Clinical Education at WKU.

This month's goal at Lifeworks focuses primarily on employment practices, and student Andy Arnold is excited about what he's learning.

“The employment is some of my favorites because I really look forward to having a job and being able to support myself by standing up on my own two feet,” said Arnold.

David Wheeler, who serves as the executive director of Lifeworks, knows just how groundbreaking it is to be the only program of its sort in the state.

"I think it's exciting how we have positioned ourselves to help people in this area take the next step and hopefully we can be a model for other communities and institutions," said Wheeler. 

Lifeworks also provides life coaches for participants, and Moore says the feedback has been very positive

“We realize that what we do is making a difference in the lives of individuals their families and really the community," said Moore. "It brings us all together and our feedback has been really excellent."