October 14, 2009
Contact:
Felecia Henderson
Associate Director, Public Affairs
fhenders@nova.edu
(954) 262-5315
Free Autism Screenings at Nova Southeastern University on Nov. 14
FT. LAUDERDALE (DAVIE), FLA – Nova Southeastern University (NSU) will offer free screenings for autism spectrum disorders on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The screenings are being offered by NSU’s Mailman Segal Institute (MSI) and NSU’s Center for Psychological Studies.
Recently released studies indicate that 1 in 100 children have autism disorders. The Centers for Disease Control recognizes that autism spectrum disorders are conditions of urgent public health concern and that a concerted and substantial national response is warranted.
“When families receive the correct diagnosis for their child at an early age, they are able to find and provide the appropriate early intervention services available in their communities,” says Susan Kabot, Ed.D, MSI’s director of clinical programs and director of NSU’s Autism Consortium. “This intervention is crucial for ensuring that children have the best chance for successful school performance later on.”
The preliminary screenings are free and available for children ages 12 months to 5 years. They will be given at MSI’s Unicorn Children’s Foundation Clinic located at 7600 SW 36th St., on Nova Southeastern University’s main campus in Davie. There are a limited number of appointments available and parents are encouraged to register their children in advance by calling (954) 262-7111.
In addition to the screenings, experts will be on hand to answer questions, AC Moore Arts and Crafts will host a children’s activity corner and snacks will be provided by Whole Foods Markets. The University of Miami - Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UM-NSU CARD) Mobile Autism Clinic will also be available. UM-NSU CARD is a South Florida non-profit organization, committed to providing free family support, outreach, and educational support services to children and adults of all levels of intellectual functioning who have Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
“Although there is no known cure for autism spectrum disorders, research has shown that the earlier intervention begins for a child with autism, the greater the opportunity that he or she will achieve his or her potential,” says Kabot.
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About the Unicorn Children's Foundation Clinic - The Unicorn Children's Foundation Clinic provides comprehensive psycho-developmental evaluations for the diagnosis and assessment of autism and related disorders in children ages birth through five years. The clinic is housed in NSU's Mailman Segal Institute for Early Childhood Studies, home to the Baudhuin Preschool, an internationally recognized model program for children aged 3-5 with autism spectrum disorders and Starting Right, for children 18 month to 36 months of age diagnosed with, or at risk for, an autism spectrum disorder.
The Unicorn Children's Foundation Clinic was established through a lead gift from the Unicorn Children's Foundation, which is dedicated to helping all children with communication and learning disorders.
