Delaney Buckelew, a psychology major and soccer player at Golden West College, credits the College Autism Program (CAP) and The LOOP, a student-led extension of CAP, as key factors in her personal and academic growth. With plans to attend California State University, Long Beach this fall, Delaney began her journey at GWC in Summer 2017 after being recruited for the women’s soccer team.
She first learned about the CAP program when she connected with GWC’s Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) and was referred to Denise Bon, a DSPS counselor. “From the start, I felt a connection with her,” Delaney recalls. Denise quickly became a significant figure in Delaney’s academic journey, helping her select classes, create a Student Education Plan (SEP), and arrange for academic accommodations. “Having those accommodations was a great help. When you have test anxiety, everything goes blank. But you have the extra time to readjust yourself and get it done,” Delaney explains.
Over time, Delaney became increasingly involved in The LOOP. “When I first got here, The LOOP was really small — just a few students,” she recalls. “Then I started talking to Denise more about what I wanted out of the program, like life and social skills, and once Denise started implementing those things, I got more involved.” Delaney eventually took on a leadership role, becoming president of The LOOP. As president, she helped shape the program’s direction by selecting meeting topics, planning events, and even designing the logo for both The LOOP and CAP.
Delaney plays an important role in organizing Autism Ally Week, an annual celebration of neurodiversity that has become a tradition at GWC. Events like Neurodiversi-TEA and Mario Kart tournaments engage the campus in fun and interactive ways, promoting acceptance and inclusivity. Delaney also manages The LOOP’s Discord server, providing a space for members to stay connected outside of regular meetings. “It’s important to keep that community alive and have a safe space to chat,” she says. The server hosts virtual movie nights and game nights, creating an after-hours environment where students can unwind and build lasting friendships.
Inspired by her experiences, Delaney is now working toward becoming a counselor, a path she's pursuing with encouragement and guidance from her connections at GWC. “If I continue on my current path, I would want to come back to Golden West College to work at DSPS,” she shares. “That’s the goal.”
To other neurodivergent students who may feel unsure about starting college, Delaney offers this advice: “Regardless of your ability, if you’re truly passionate, go for it. Focus on your strengths and build from there.”
April marks Autism Acceptance Month, and Golden West College is proud to highlight the College Autism Program (CAP) and The LOOP: campus initiatives dedicated to supporting neurodiverse students by providing them with the resources, community, and personalized services they need for college success.
Launched in 2014 by GWC’s Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS), CAP has grown into a comprehensive support system for students with Autism. Recognized and recommended by organizations like College Autism Spectrum and Great Value Colleges, CAP offers a wide range of services designed to help students succeed academically and personally, including academic counseling, case and disability management, academic coaching, and a learning disability specialist for students who may need additional learning accommodations.
