An anonymous gift of $1 million will enable the Family Autism Center at East Carolina University to increase professional staff and expand services for people with autism in eastern North Carolina.
We look forward to adding colleagues from psychology and social work, as well as experienced therapists (speech-language and occupational therapists) to our current physician and nursing staff, said Dr. Michael Reichel, a developmental and behavioral specialist in ECUs pediatrics department and the centers director. Providing interdisciplinary evaluations and services will mark yet another step in fulfilling our mission to serve children and families in our region.
Marcy Romary, interim president for ECUs Medical & Health Sciences Foundation, said the recent gift was motivated by the donors close relationship with grandparents of a child on the autism spectrum.
They saw firsthand how early diagnosis and treatment was so beneficial to this family, and wanted to ensure that families throughout the region would have access to first-rate diagnosis and care through the Brody School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, Romary said.
Autism spectrum disorder refers to a group of developmental disabilities that affect how a person understands what they see, hear or sense, according to information published by the Autism Society of North Carolina. People with ASD typically have difficulty understanding verbal and nonverbal communication and learning appropriate ways of behaving and interacting socially.
The prevalence of autism in North Carolina continues to increase, with more males than females being identified, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates.
Despite ongoing research, no one knows exactly what causes ASD, and there is no single test to diagnose it, Reichel said.
Accurate diagnosis is made by a team of multidisciplinary professionals who have observed a persons communication, behavior and developmental levels combined with caregiver input and developmental history, he said. Its a process, not a one-stop shop.
Interventions for ASD should involve multiple disciplines, as well, Reichel said. That is why he and other organizers envisioned the center as an interdisciplinary hub for autism supports, treatment, advocacy, training and research to benefit the community and region.
We are so grateful for this major gift to help us expand staffing and clinical services, Reichel said. With additional private and public support, well be able to attract other clinicians who can support and advocate for older individuals with autism. These kids do grow up. Our goal to emphasize needs across the lifespan will make our center truly unique.
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Gift helps ECU autism center