The Central California Autism Center at California State University, Fresno will hold an open house on Thursday, Nov. 15 in the Science II Building, Room 242. Tours of the center will be given from 10-11 a.m.
University President John D. Welty will provide a welcome, followed by remarks from a parent and a graduate student in the applied behavior analysis program in the Department of Psychology.
The Autism Center offers treatment and research based on principle-based behavior therapy. The center works one-on-one with children 18 months to 6 years of age who have been diagnosed with autism or a related disability. After-school “supplementary” programs are available for children over 6. Treatment consists of ongoing assessment, individualized curriculum and parent training and involvement. All therapy occurs at the center.
Dr. Amanda Adams, a board-certified behavior analyst with more than a decade of experience in autism work, is the center’s director. She joined the Fresno State psychology faculty in 2006.
Adams said the center’s purpose is three-fold: train Fresno State students, serve the community and conduct research. There is no other center-based treatment facility for autistic children in the Valley, she said. In-home treatment is offered by private companies.
Undergraduate and graduate students at Fresno State provide behavioral therapy and supervision for the programs.
Adams said the center’s library will continue to expand. It is open for research for physicians and community members.
Future plans call for parenting classes and workshops for people who work with developmentally disabled children.
