University introduces autism center to address mental health needs
While Autism Spectrum Disorder continues to be one of the fastest growing developmental disabilities, Central Michigan University is introducing the Central Autism Assessment and Treatment Clinic on campus.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ASD affects about one in 68 children.
The clinic will provide, on campus, diagnosis and treatment to children and adolescents in central and northern Michigan. It will be one of only eight of its kind, and only one of two clinics that train professionals in diagnosis and treatment.
Receiving financial support for the Michigan Department of Community Health, the facility is intended to decrease wait times for diagnosis and treatment.
“With an increase in ASD referrals, we need more practitioners who have specific training in this area to promote accurate diagnosis,” said Center Director Christie Nutkins. “We can help one child at a time but we can impact many more people by training CMU students on how to accurately diagnose this growing disability.”
Graduate and undergraduate students will be involved to assist in the treatment.
For information on assessment and treatment through The Central Autism Assessment and Treatment Clinic, call 989-774-2850.
