April 30, 2008

The Central California Autism Center at California State University, Fresno will celebrate Autism Awareness Month with an Awareness Field Day on Wednesday, April 30.

The event is scheduled 11 a.m.-6 p.m. outside of the Kremen Education Building.

At 3:30 p.m., university administrators and representatives will speak about the clinic and its contributions to the community. Speakers will include Dr. Paul Beare, dean of the Kremen School of Education and Human Development, and Assistant Dean Colleen Torgerson.

Other events and activities include:

• Games, bounce houses and face painting throughout the day

• Formal tours of the center at noon and 3 p.m. and informal tours throughout the day

• Food and music, with a live band 4-6 p.m.

The Autism Center opened in November 2007. It offers treatment and research centered upon 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.

“The Central California Autism Center has grown tremendously this year,” Adams said. “We’re grateful for the support we’ve received from the campus community, and we’re looking forward to being able to continue our contributions to the Valley community in the future.”

For more information, call 559.278.6773.