Posted on: 10:58 am, May 7, 2012, by Megan Reuther, updated on: 11:40pm, May 7, 2012

The need for autism services has grown as the number of kids diagnosed with the developmental disorder continues to climb. Autism affects the way people communicate and interact with others. This year, the Centers for Disease Control announced the spectrum of disorders affects one in eighty-eight kids.

A new program in the metro is helping kids overcome the challenges autism presents. Six year-old Alivia Ronesburg likes to swing, likes to play connect four and will let you know when shes ready to move on. She uses a tablet like device to say, Im done when she presses a picture of the phrase. She has trouble communicating and interacting with others.

Mom Alyssan Fitzgerald says, I saw the signs. Fitzgerald says doctors diagnosed Alivia with autism two years ago. She says her daughter wasnt saying many words and had trouble playing with others. She says, We finally had her diagnosed and started looking for resources or places to take her and things that would help us address that.

She brought Alivia to The Homestead in Altoona last fall. She comes for two and a half hours in the morning five days a week. Its part of the new Childrens Autism Project. Director of The Homesteads Youth Community Services Evelyn Horton says, Were the only one of our kind in the state. Although were hoping this is a pilot and we can replicate and have other sites.

Horton says the Childrens Autism Project in an intensive intervention using an approach called Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA. It uses techniques like positive reinforcement to bring about a change in behavior. She says, Applied Behavior Analysis is the most evidence based, research based approach for treating individuals with autism. Its a learning system.

The clinic room may look like a preschool with kids playing board games and working with teachers, but Horton says its specially designed to teach social interaction. She says, The fact that they can sit close to each other, respond to each other, used shared materials, sometimes let somebody else decide which way were going to put something together or play because rigidity can be a problem.

The Childrens Autism Project also works with the childs teachers, other providers and parents to coordinate care. Fitzgerald says shes already noticed a difference in her daughter. She says, She has gained so many skills. Most important, her eye contact. When you talk to her, shes giving you eye contact. She now says hi and bye to people.

Horton says private insurance and Iowa Medicaid cover the costs. The project started 15 months ago, and Horton says theyre already over capacity for the small clinic. Horton says may add sites in Cedar Rapids and West Des Moines in the future.

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AUTISM PROJECT: New Program Helps Kids