Posted by Heather Rutz on Apr 04, 2018
Lima Rotary Club marks World Autism Awareness Day.
Tyler Burklund, with the Center for Autism and Dyslexia, spoke to the club Monday on World Autism Awareness Day, emphasizing the many different kinds of diagnoses connected to Autism and how that translates into various treatments and responses.
The club learned about how a person is diagnosed with autism, how treatment and responses have improved with time, and how to help a person with an autism diagnosis.
Autism is a complex, life-long biological disorder of development that results in social interaction problems, communication difficulties, and restrictive or repetitive interests and behaviors. The Autism Spectrum refers to a vast array of symptoms, and reflects wide variety in challenges and strengths possessed by each person with autism, Burklund said.
“For some, autism is a difference. They are able to live independently and have fulfilling lives,” Burklund said. “For others, it is a disability. These individuals may grow into adulthood and need additional support such as group homes or job coaching.”
Serving ages 3 to 21, the Center for Autism & Dyslexia is a nonpublic chartered school serving families across Northwest Ohio with locations in Lima and Findlay. The center accommodates students with Autism Spectrum disorders, mild and moderate intellectual disabilities, specific learning disabilities, speech-language impairments, emotional disabilities, and other health impairments.
The center provides comprehensive, individualized programs that address a child’s unique challenges. The programs address individual skills in the content areas of academic, language, social, and life skills, with the ultimate goal of preparing children to become independent adults.
Mayor David Berger also provided a proclamation Monday, and the World Autism Awareness Day flag was flown on Town Square.