Autism Assessment and Treatment Center opened on campus
Central Michigan University's Autism Assessment and Treatment clinic is the first of its kind in mid-Michigan.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is the fastest growing developmental disability in the U.S. affecting one in 68 children, according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CMU's center, one of eight in Michigan, is only the second to train students and professionals in diagnosis and treatment.
“We actually see children here and the children are able to get high quality services," said Christie Nutkins, a psychology professor and center director. "So the students who are working with the children have direct supervision. Once they are showing us that they are ready to work with kids, then they take over.”
There is one child involved in the program and a second child is in the process of joining. Nutkins said she is hopeful they will continue to grow in the spring semester.
The Autism Assessment and Treatment Clinic, located in the Heath Professions Building, features a multidisciplinary evaluation team that has students and faculty from the psychology and communication disorders programs, and medical school pediatricians. The treatment center, located in the Education and Human Services building, applied behavior analysis is provided by graduate students supervised by licensed professionals.
“The primary goal is to train students well to increase the number of individuals who can provide treatment for children with autism,” Nutkins said.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, ASD is characterized by persistent deficits in social communication, social interaction and repetitive patterns of behavior. Symptoms typically recognized in the first two years of life and cause significant impairment in social, occupational and other areas of functioning.
The term “spectrum” refers to the range of symptoms, skills and levels of impairment that children with ASD can have. Some children are mildly affected by their symptoms, while others are severely disabled.
This makes it vital that health professionals catch the disorder and begin treatment early. Children at the centers are diagnosed through a speech evaluation, meet with a pediatrician and given a full psychological evaluation.
"It has been such a rewarding experience to watch our children make improvements through treatment," said Allie Annese, graduate student in the psychology department. "I am excited to get such great experience and be able to provide services to children throughout the state.”
Graduate student Sophie Fursa in the Psychology program and works for both the assessment center and the autism treatment center. She said having hands-on experience at both centers is a huge advantage for her professional career.
“You can learn about the symptoms of autism or how an evaluation is done in class, but actually being part of the process adds a completely different aspect,” Fursa said. “We get to see how the professionals are conducting evaluation and treatment in real time. I see first-hand what behaviors are standing out to them and what questions are they asking the parents.”
