Muleskinner

Issue date: 2/7/08 Section: News

Media Credit: USA Today.com [Click to enlarge]

His name is Ben, and at age three, his family was informed of his condition. He wasn't startled by loud noises, he wouldn't talk, he had difficulty performing simple tasks and he had a hard time relating to others.

Rachael Rushin, sophomore public relations major, is Ben's older sister.

"I remember one Fourth of July, I set off a long string of firecrackers. While all the other kids Ben's age were startled and crying, Ben almost walked right over them," Rushin said. "He didn't even hear them."

Rushin's parents had Ben's hearing tested, for they feared he was deaf. After further testing, his diagnosis became clear. Ben had a form of Autism.

Recently, U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Mo, announced the University will receive $286,898 in funding to help establish the Midwest Clinic for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Aaron Podolefsky, University president, told Jeff Murphy of the University Web site, "[The clinic] is going to be a tremendous asset to this region, and we're pleased that Congressman Skelton recognized its importance."

Joyce Anderson Downing, associate professor of special education, said the initial diagnosis of Autism can be "very" traumatic for families. She also said the families often read about the disorder, trying to learn as much as they can.

"The clinic will see children from the immediate area," Downing said. "It provides a public service."

Many districts around Warrensburg are small and rural. Downing said they may not have the resources to work with more disabled children.

"They may come across something they haven't worked with before," Downing said.

The clinic will provide a closer relationship with other schools, hands on training for UCM students and the ability to help children, parents and teachers, Downing said.

"Families often drive to Columbia and Kansas City to have their children evaluated," Downing said. "The clinic will help with behavior and communication issues, as well as teaching parents and teachers how to make accommodations and modifications in the classroom and the home."

Many UCM students will participate in the clinic. Students and faculty from the Department of Psychology, the Department of Communications Disorders and the special education program within the Department of Educational Leadership and Human Development will provide a multidisciplinary perspective to the clinic.

Continued...

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