Autism Society Honors Campus Clinic for Work with Children
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 11, 2005
CONTACT: Joe Wills
530-898-4143
Autism Society Honors Campus Clinic for Work with Children
The Autism Society of Northern California (ASNC) will be giving awards to kinesiology professor Rebecca Lytle, College of Communication and Education Dean Phyllis Fernlund and a number of California State University, Chico students tomorrow, May 12, at 11 AM in CSU, Chico’s Yolo Hall room 150.
CSU, Chico’s Sensory Motor Clinic, which serves autistic children, was founded by Lytle in fall 2003. The clinic is operated by CSU, Chico students learning adaptive physical education in a teacher training program. Additionally, children receive individual assistance from graduate students in other disciplines, such as nutrition.
“The clinic has made a huge difference in children’s lives, and parents want to thank Rebecca and the others involved,” said Kim Richards, resource director of the ASNC. “Parents say it’s the best therapeutic intervention for their children.”
Parent Nicole Earl, whose child was served by the clinic, will help Richards give plaques to Lytle, Fernlund and graduate student Josie Cline, who manages the clinic. Fernlund helped secure college funding for the program earlier this year. Eleven students who volunteer at the clinic will also receive certificates of appreciation.
“Rebecca had a vision for the clinic, and it has grown bigger and better with time,” said Gayle Hutchinson, chair of kinesiology.
The ASNC is a nonprofit chapter of the Autism Society of America that serves as a resource and support organization for families, professionals and individuals affected by autism.
Autism currently affects one in 166 individuals. A recent study from the Government Accountability Office reported a sharp increase in services for autistic children. In California, eight new cases of autism on average are diagnosed every day.
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