CARD RECEIVES MAJOR GRANT TO HELP FAMILIES IN TEXAS

The Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD), a leading authority on autism treatment for children, has been awarded a $1 million dollar grant from the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitation Services (DARS) to provide services to children with autism between the ages of 3 through 8 in the greater Austin area.

“I am thrilled that CARD will be able to help children who wouldn’t otherwise be able to receive our services,” says CARD Austin Managing Supervisor Erica Worcester, MA.

The grant will enable CARD to provide Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) to children with autism as well as their families for a period of two years.

“I am grateful to DARS and Senators Shapiro, Lucio, Patrick, and Zaffirini for the opportunity to continue to help children with autism,” says grant writer and CARD Treatment Evaluation Manager Dr. Melissa Olive

"I am pleased that more children will benefit from the early and intensive autism services that these providers offer," Senator Florence Shapiro, R-District 8 said. "This program will help us identify the service delivery models that best serve children with autism and will enable us to strengthen the state's efforts to serve this growing population."

"The number of children with autism continues to grow, so it's vital that we provide avenues for access to proper educational and behavioral interventions that can help them achieve success throughout their life," Shapiro said.

"Through Applied Behavioral Analysis and other behavioral therapies, this program helps address some of the most prevalent challenges of children with autism."

1:1 Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Positive Behavior Supports (PBS) will be provided to eligible children and families who meet the minimum requirements.

In order to be eligible for the grant the child must be between the ages of 3 through 8. The cost of services is on a sliding scale based upon family income.

Both individual client assessment and intervention will be combined with caregiver training to provide optimal treatment for each family. The behavior analysts will conduct appropriate individual assessments to determine the function(s) of inappropriate behaviors. Individual treatment plans will be drawn from the results of these assessments.

Families are encouraged to contact CARD Austin to be determined if they are eligible for this grant funded program. CARD Austin can be contacted at 866-833-3898 or CARDAustin@centerforautism.com

About Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitation Services (DARS):

DARS is a state agency that works in partnership with Texans with disabilities and families with children who have developmental delays to improve the quality of their lives and to enable their full participation in society. To find out more about the agency’s services, call the DARS Inquiries Line at 1-800-628-5115. Information about DARS is also available at www.dars.state.tx.us.

About the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD):

The Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc. (CARD) diligently maintains a reputation as one of the world’s largest and most experienced organizations effectively treating children with Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, PDD-NOS, and related disorders. Founded in 1990, CARD follows the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). CARD develops individualized treatment plans and is proud to provide autism services around the globe. CARD was founded by Executive Director Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA-D. To find out more about the organization visit www.centerforautism.com.