When Eastern Michigan University's Education Department
created its new master's degree in autism spectrum disorders
(ASD) in January 2008, it was the University's first major
step in addressing a growing need for services for children
affected by ASD. The next step is the creation of the Autism
Collaborative Center, a partnership between EMU and St.
Joseph Health Systems that will provide treatment, outpatient
services and support systems for people with autism and
their families.
 |
AUTISM ASSISTANCE: Pam Lemerand (right),
an
assistant professor of occupational therapy
in
EMU's School of Health Sciences, works
with
EMU graduate student Emily Teneyck on techniques
for working with
autistic students. Eastern
Michigan's College of
Education is working to create
an Autism Collaborative
Center, a partnership
between EMU and St. Joseph
Health Systems. |
The center will open with limited programming this summer.
When fully operational in fall 2009, the center will offer
training for students from eight disciplines across three
EMU colleges; conduct research into treatment options for
people affected by ASD; and provide much-needed affordable
care for individuals across the broad spectrum of autism.
"We have heard from many families who have children with
ASD, who oftentimes feel unwelcome in restaurants and other
public places due to the unusual behavior of their children," said
Pamela Lemerand, assistant professor of occupational therapy
in the College of Health and Human Services. Lemerand is
spearheading the initiative. "The collaborative will offer
therapeutic services as well as services for the family
and the community."
Fundraising for the project is well underway, thanks to
an $828,000 anonymous cash and pledged gift, and a $350,000
pledge of cash and in-kind support from Easter Seals of
Michigan. Once completed, the center will feature a sensory
motor room, a commercial kitchen, a parent library, rooms
for teaching independent living skills, as well as space
for the education of EMU students.
"Students will be trained to become excellent human service
providers," said Lemerand. "They will learn best practices
in human services to support future clients, no matter
what kind of health issue or disability those clients may
have." — Contributed by Marc Aust, EMU Foundation student
writer
