For families of autistic children living outside of a major metropolitan area, obtaining good care and counseling can often be a challenge. A unique collaboration hopes to change that.
Cleveland Clinic has teamed up with
Highlands Hospital in Connellsville, Pa., to provide state-of-the-art services for children with autism in an underserved part of southwestern Pennsylvania. In addition, graduate students from
California University of Pennsylvania will receive valuable experience for careers in special education at the new Autism Center, which is scheduled to open next year.
"It's hard for parents to drive to Pittsburgh from our area every day," says Michelle Cunningham, CEO of Highlands Hospital. "We're so excited to have something in the community for the children."
When it comes to autism, early diagnosis and intervention are key to providing the children and families with the best results, Cunningham adds. Many centers often have long waiting lists.
Cleveland Clinic Autism Development Solutions (CCADS) will assist Highlands Hospital in designing and staffing the new center, which will offer developmental screening and a day program for autistic children five days a week, year-round for children aged three and older.
About 1 in every 94 children in the United States has some form of autism. In rural Fayette County, an estimated 444 individuals ages 5-24 are affected by the complex developmental disability that appears in early childhood and affects communication and social interaction. The program is the only one available in the region, which has one of the highest poverty rates in Pennsylvania.
"It's a win-win situation for everyone," says Cunningham.
Writer:
Deb SmitSource: Michelle Cunningham, Highlands Hospital
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