When I can see a child that when I start working with does not talk and the first time they say their first word, you remember that, Grossett said. Students will get to see a child with autism blossom and grow to their fullest potential. Thats awesome. Thats a great experience for both the child and for the student. /UPNORTHLIVE.COM
ISABELLA CO. -- Central Michigan University (CMU) launched a program that is the first of its kind in northern Michiganan autism assessment and treatment clinic.
CMU received a grant from the Michigan Department of Community Health to fund the autism assessment center.
Graduate students will help in diagnosing and treating children in mid-northern Michigan. The center is the eight of its kind in Michigan and also the farthest north.
I want to train more clinicians as the rate of autism increases in this country, Deborah Grossett, CMU BSBA Director of Training, said. I think we also need to see an increase in the clinicians and providers of these services so that more and more children can have applied behavior analysis services provided to them.
Our number one goal is to train our students very well so that we can expand the services beyond just Central Michigan, Christie Nutkins, CMU Autism Assessment Program Director, said. We would like to be able to get practitioners throughout the state of Michigan. Thats one of the reasons that were focusing on the BCBA program so we can have individuals with undergraduate degrees who can provide high quality services to children and their families with autism disorders using applied behavior analysis.
According to Nutkins, one in 68 children has autism spectrum disorder. Over 17,000 children have it in Michigan, with 1,415 located in northern Michigan.
Nutkins also said that legislation was passed in April 2012 for insurance companies in Michigan to be able to cover applied behavior analysis services.
Faculty and students emphasize the importance to assess children at an early age.
Thats where all the evidence points to, Roberty Wyse, CMU Psychology graduate student, said. The earlier you get that intervention, the better. Our primary focus is going to be under six years old. Eventually well extend on to some larger age groups but were going to start where that training is most important.
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Central Michigan University launches first northern Michigan autism clinic