February 12, 2007
Contacts:
Susan S. Kabot, Ed.D., CCC-SLP
Director of the Clinical and Therapeutic Services
NSU’s Mailman Segal Institute for Early Childhood Studies
954-262-7129
Christine Reeve, Ph.D., BCBA
Director of Autism Consortium and Academic Programs
NSU’s Mailman Segal Institute for Early Childhood Studies
954-262-7154
Lourdes Rodriguez-Barrera
Office of Public Affairs
954-262-5309
NSU’s Mailman Segal Institute For Early Childhood Studies Serves Families with Tools & Experts in Recognizing Autism Spectrum Disorders
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported findings from the largest summary of data from 14 U.S. states participating in an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) surveillance project. The results showed an average of 6.7 children out of 1,000 had an ASD in the six communities assessed in 2000, and an average of 6.6 children out of 1,000 having an ASD in the 14 communities included in the 2002 study. CDC authorities stated that while these studies don't provide a national estimate, they do confirm that ASDs are more common than previously noted. Furthermore, experts agree that the earlier an ASD is recognized, the more one can do to help a child reach his/her potential by providing needed intervention and resources.
Davie, Florida is home to the Mailman Segal Institute for Early Childhood Studies – a unique resource for parenting and child development issues. The institute is rich in parenting programs designed to strengthen families and enhance the ability of parents and caregivers to foster the healthy development of children.
The institute is also home to the Baudhuin Preschool, Starting Right and the Autism Consortium which are acclaimed programs designed for families of children with ASD. These programs are facilitated by experts trained in recognizing ASD and provide support to children, their families and school systems. The Mailman Segal Institute, in partnership with other Nova Southeastern University centers, also provides several graduate programs to support professionals in the field of autism and developmental disabilities through its Graduate Academics. Together, this powerful line up gives parents, caregivers and educators the vital tools needed to provide early detection and program planning to meet their child and family’s needs.
A key upcoming event, The Autism Leadership Academy, will be held on February 26th - March 2nd. This one-week training academy on developing leadership in the area of autism education focuses on identifying leadership styles, models for supporting educators, and the impact of special education law on the education of individuals with autism. Participants include special education directors, autism consultants, autism coordinators or coaches, and any individual who is expected to motivate, train, and lead staff within programs serving students with autism.
The Mailman Segal Institute for Early Childhood Studies is housed in The Jim & Jan Moran Family Center Village, which is located at 7600 SW 36th Street in Davie, on the main campus of Nova Southeastern University.
Starting Right
Starting Right is designed for children 18-36 months old who are experiencing social-communication delays, are at risk for autism, or have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. The child and a caregiver participate in a classroom-based program two mornings per week and receive individual therapeutic interventions every other week for intensive parent training and assessment of child progress. This innovative program prepares caregivers by giving them the skills necessary to assist their child while providing information about autism, community resources, and coping strategies.
The Baudhuin Preschool
The Mailman Segal Institute's Baudhuin Preschool is an internationally recognized, model program for preschool children with autism spectrum disorder. Designed for children three years of age through pre-kindergarten, this therapeutic program focuses on cognitive, social-emotional, adaptive, behavioral, motor, and communication skill development within a relationship-based environment. This model center provides each child with choices, challenges, and opportunities that nurture feelings of competence, promote intellectual growth, and enable each child to achieve his or her potential.
By utilizing a rich variety of activities and experiences, the school curriculum encourages children to become competent in all areas of development. An individual education plan (IEP) is carefully framed for each child after evaluating each individual’s strengths and challenges. Admission to this program and funding is through the Broward County Schools.
The Autism Consortium
The mission of the Autism Consortium is to improve the quality of life for individuals with autism and their families through building community awareness, providing professional development activities, and supporting families.
Founded in 1995, the Autism Consortium has been providing individualized training, consultation, and system support to school districts throughout the United States. Our services focus on individuals with Autism across the spectrum, across age spans, and across levels of functioning.
Graduate Academics
Master’s courses in autism prepare special education teachers to meet the challenges of teaching students with autism and are approved to meet the Florida Department of Education autism endorsement. Graduate courses in applied behavior analysis are offered which meet the requirements of the Behavior Analysis Certification Board for certification as a Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst or Behavior Analyst. A doctoral minor in autism is offered through the Doctor of Education program.
For more information about the many programs conducted by The Mailman Segal Institute for Early Childhood Studies at The Jim & Jan Moran Family Center Village, please visit www.nova.edu/msi.
For more information about the “Keepers of the Dream” art exhibition, please call (954) 262-5357. For more information about Nova Southeastern University’s Black History Month events, please visit http://www.nova.edu/cwis/ur/blackhistory/.
