WYOMING, Mich. — According to the CDC, 1 in 36 children will be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
There are services that can help them live happy fulfilling lives.
A company focused on providing therapy has expanded right here to West Michigan.
Down this colorful hallway and inside this room is a group of 2-to-3-year-olds with autism.
“My son is level three on the spectrum. He's nonverbal. He's currently working on sign language and trying to find a way to communicate with him," Jennifer Calzada-Garcia, a parent, said.
Spectrum Autism Center is an applied behavior analytic provider that started in Saginaw.
Now, it has expanded with new location in Wyoming.
JENNIFER WARD-KOLKA/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 2:09 “Our goal as a company is to help families and usually the children that are here, be able to navigate their home community in school as independently and as safely as possible," Jennifer Ward-Kolka, executive director, said.
ABA therapy is designed to help those with autism develop social and emotional skills.
According to staff at the center there are about 400 families in just Kent County on a waitlist for ABA services.
“ABA really does provide that one-on-one individual support. However, with that one-on-one support, we still foster parent engagement, social interactions, group settings, and a lot of school readiness," Megan Murphy, program supervisor, said.
ABA has already made a tremendous impact on Jennifer Calzada-Garcia’s son after just a few short months.
“The tantrums were horrible. He would throw himself back, he would hit himself, he would do a lot of stuff. He wouldn't know how to play with other kids and so far, he has conquered all of that. He can go out in the restaurant and be calm, he can play with other friends. Now I can have friends come over that he won't get all overstimulated, like before," Calzada-Garcia, said.
Jennifer says the work is challenging, but getting help is worth it.
“If your kid has autism, don't be scared. Do not be scared. Don't be in denial. Take it in and be proud. Be very proud. Don't be scared of what people are gonna say because we have the smartest children in our hands." Calzada-Garcia, said.
Children that have a bright future ahead of them.
The Spectrum Autism Center is located at 1150 32nd Street Southwest in Wyoming.
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