Autism Education Centers

Defined as a developmental disorder affecting language, behavior and social interaction, identification of autism has become much more prevalent. Due to the growing awareness of the condition, autism education centers have opened with the intent of being a clearinghouse for information, support and treatment in a given community. As the centers function in their local communities, they serve to promote awareness and help parents deal with autism.

History

• Education, treatment and support for people affected by autism has traditionally been lacking. An example of a center with relatively more history is the New England Center for Children, founded in 1975. A private nonprofit organization based in Southborough, Massachusetts, its stated mission is to provide for autistic children specialized treatment based upon proven scientific methods and facts. NECC has recognized that each child is different and thus needs an individualized plan, according to the organization's website.

Function

• One function of an autism education center involves providing a special school. Not all centers provide this service, but the Center for Autism Education in O'Fallon, Missouri does. A year-round private school, the center serves students from ages 6 to 21. The school limits class size to three students in its effort to provide each student individualized attention. The center offers behavioral, occupational and speech language therapy and emphasizes social skills and personal interaction.

Training

• Autism education centers often provide training for parents and professionals through workshops. North Texas Autism Education Center, for example, offers "Teaching Communication Skills to Children with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities" and "Teaching Verbal Behavior in a Classroom Setting." By providing these workshops at little or no cost, the education center equips parents and professionals to teach autistic children and expand what can be accomplished in a school setting.

Programs

• Another benefit provided by autism education centers is programs of interest for parents of autistic children, no matter what their age. The Pacific Autism Center for Education in the San Francisco Bay area offers programs such as an early intervention program for infants through age 6. PACE provides therapy, both at the center and in the home, as well as support and training for the parents. The younger children can participate in play groups and a preschool. An adult day program for ages 22 and up gives those individuals somewhere to go after formal schooling has ended. Job training targeted for specific areas where the adult can function provides a means for integrating the adult into society.