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My son was first diagnosed at the age of
three, and it was actually his
speech therapist who first saw some flags
of autism spectrum disorders.
What the program did for me was it really
helped to build a bridge where I could
better understand my son, what he needed,
what was happening in his own inner world.
And how I could help bring him back out
into our world more and more.
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The increase in the number of students
that are affected by autism
has really created the need for
programs like this.
and for people who have a level of
experience working with these kids
to become trainer of trainers.
And to share information and expertise
with others,
so that we can meet the needs
and meet the demand.
One of the very exciting things about this
partnership is that I think it takes so
many people to really care for children
and
families who are affected by autism
spectrum disorders.
And we need well-trained educators, we
need pediatricians, psychologists, social
workers, speech and language pathologists,
occupational/physical therapists.
Many, many people who need to be
well-trained and
need to have some of the same basic
training so
that they can talk to each other and
understand each other.
For me, the Mind Institute connection was
huge.
Working in autism, everybody hears about
the Mind Institute and what groundbreaking
research and clinical work that they do
with children on the spectrum.
I have a much broader perspective,
as a result of completing the Autism
Spectrum Disorders Program.
And I'm much more comfortable branching
out and
exploring new treatment options for my
clients.
I can't tell you how many educators have
come through the program and
said, this needs to be a requirement for
anyone working with, with kids.
It needs to be a requirement for
anyone who is a teacher, to have this
knowledge and information.
Because the influence is so much broader
than just kids with autism.
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