JUDSON CENTER CELEBRATES INCLUSIVITY DURING AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH
Agency’s Life Skills Lab is a vital part of autism services
Farmington Hills, MI – April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time to embrace the inclusion of individuals diagnosed with autism and celebrate their differences. The observance comes as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has just announced a rise in autism rates.
The nonprofit Judson Center is a trusted leader in autism services in Michigan. Its Autism Connections program offers a comprehensive continuum of care for families, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, diagnostic evaluations, parent training, social skills support, and speech and occupational therapy.
“Autism Acceptance Month moves beyond awareness and recognizes the need for understanding, support and inclusion,” said Judson Center President and CEO Lenora Hardy-Foster. “We celebrate the diversity, strength, contributions and value of our autism clients. It is so gratifying when we can unlock the potential in them and applaud their achievements.”
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that impacts social and communication skills, sensory regulation, and behaviors. Judson Center’s unique Life Skills Lab provides a training environment for clients’ healthcare and personal care needs. The lab’s setting and equipment mimics that of doctor and dentist offices complete with a waiting room and exam rooms. There is also a hair salon/barbershop setting.
“Dental, medical and hair appointments can be challenging for any individual,” said Judson Center’s Director of Autism Services Sarah Sorise. “For children on the spectrum diagnosed with autism, the challenges of these experiences can be heightened due to the sensory and communication needs of this population. Our Life Skills Lab replicates a real-world experience that helps with preparation for routine visits to healthcare and personal care providers. Our targeted programming helps parents and caregivers to seamlessly generalize these skills to the community for successful well visits.”
New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate 1 in 31 U.S. children were diagnosed with ASD in 2022, up from 1 in 36 in 2020.
“Early diagnosis and treatment are extremely important,” said Judson Center Chief Operating Officer Susan Salhaney. “Our commitment to care involves creating a treatment plan tailored to each client’s unique needs. Our trained and certified team of autism professionals are there for our clients every step of the journey from childhood diagnosis to adulthood.”
Judson Center’s Autism Connections services are available at sites in Royal Oak, Farmington Hills, Ann Arbor, Warren, and Flint. For more information, visit www.judsoncenter.org or call the administrative offices at 248-549-4339.
About Judson Center
Judson Center,trusted by Michigan families for more than 100 years, is a non-profit human service agency providing expert, comprehensive services that strengthen children, adults and families impacted by abuse and neglect, autism, and developmental, behavioral and physical health challenges so they can achieve whole health, well-being, and maximum potential. Since opening its doors in 1924, Judson Center has grown to change the lives of more than 13,000 children, adults, and families each year. Judson Center has offices in Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, Wayne, Genesee, and Jackson counties. Judson Center’s headquarters are located at 30301 Northwestern Highway, Suite 100, Farmington Hills, MI 48334-3277. Learn more at www.judsoncenter.org.