Shine a Light | National Autism Awareness Month
In recognition of World Autism Awareness Day and National Autism Awareness Month, we shine a light on the Center for Autism & Related Disorders (CARD®.) Located right next door to our Walnut Creek office, the center focuses on Applied Behavior Analysis treatment (ABA therapy) to individuals with autism and other developmental disorders.
Tell us a little bit about CARD® and what services they offer?
Center for Autism & Related Disorders leads the world in the effective treatment of autism, guided by science and inspired by compassion, to help people with autism and their families thrive. CARD’s Walnut Creek center provides Applied Behavior Analysis treatment, more commonly known as ABA Therapy, to individuals with autism and other developmental disorders.
What kind of approach do you have when assisting a patient?
At CARD, our clinical staff approaches each patient and their family with compassion, understanding, and respect. Each patient has an individualized treatment program that focuses on their strengths and areas for growth.
What is a typical day for a patient?
Therapy sessions are scheduled between 3-6 hours per day depending on the clinical recommendation. During a session, our staff teaches developmentally appropriate skills and socially acceptable behaviors, while also incorporating playtime and interactions with peers. Through ABA therapy our patients are able to improve their communication, social, fine and gross motor, and daily living skills.
What makes this center unique and stand out?
CARD’s Walnut Creek center provides home, community, and center-based services to individuals of all ages with autism. We welcome every patient and family with a warm, friendly smile. Families participate in regular caregiver collaboration meetings and parent training with their child’s Clinical Supervisor. This model helps families to learn ABA principles and techniques to help their child thrive. Our center has an outdoor space where patients can run, play outdoor games like tag and soccer, and learn about gardening.
In honor of Autism Awareness month, what would you like people to know about autism?
Autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with communication, social skills, and repetitive or challenging behaviors. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 44 children in the United States. Dr. Stephen Shore, an autism advocate, said it best – “If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.” Just because a person has a condition like autism that impacts their life, it doesn’t mean they are not an individual. It’s important to respect every person’s individual rights, needs, wants, and desires.
How can someone get involved with Autism Awareness Month?
There are many ways to get involved in autism awareness, acceptance, and inclusion. Many communities and schools participate in walks, car shows, and festivals to celebrate neurodiversity. In Northern California, Autism Speaks hosts annual walks in San Francisco, the South Bay, and North Bay. In Walnut Creek, the Walnut Festival Association hosts a Special Needs Night in the fall. Some local school districts also declared April as autism awareness month and incorporate learning activities that promote understanding and acceptance of students with learning differences. There are also great online groups on social network platforms.