Health Foundation of Central MA Awards HMEA $56K Grant for Autism Program
Tuesday, April 05, 2016
PHOTO: CDC.gov
“With the increasing number of children presenting with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, we commend HMEA for partnering with Assumption College to develop a creative approach to alleviating the challenges these children and their families face, while also providing college students with exposure to children with Autism and a job as they are studying to be therapists. The ultimate goal is to increase the number of therapists who are skilled in Applied Behavioral Analysis, which is proven to help young children with Autism. Once a successful program is established at Assumption College, it is hoped that HMEA will be able to implement the program in other colleges in Central Massachusetts,” said Dr. Jan Yost, President & CEO of The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts.
In Central Massachusetts, 3,000 families are estimated to have a family member diagnosed with Autism. Across America, 1 in 68 children are diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum.
Students for Higher
The Students for Higher program trains students in Applied Behavior Analysis therapy. ABA therapy has proved to be an effective treatment for Autism, especially when it is used during Early Intervention and is endorsed by the U.S. Surgeon General.
"The Students for Higher: Rising Up for Autism program has helped provide Behavior Therapy services to all of the children that HMEA supports in the Worcester area,” said Kate Colburn, project leader of Students for Higher.
Students have the chance to gain real life, hands on experience needed in the job market. They are able to receive ABA training and practice with the supervision of BCBAs helping them to determine their career paths while helping those who are in need.
HMEA
HMEA was founded in 1961 on the basic principle that people diagnosed with Autism or other developmental disabilities have dreams for their lives
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