The Pierce Autism Center at Touro University Nevada will be able to expand its offerings to the area’s children with The Qatar Patient Fund. This endowment has been established for families who are underinsured or have high co-pays or deductibles on their insurance plans.
“When you have a child that’s on the spectrum and has behavioral issues, a lot of times that requires four to five days a week in therapy for years,” said Craig Seiden, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President for Finance at Touro Nevada. “They just don’t come here for a day or two, this is a commitment to long-term treatment for long-term success.”
The center started in 2007 to fill a need in the community that didn’t have enough providers treating children on the autism spectrum. This fund marks the first time the center will be able to help families who may be in a financial bind.
“We have enjoyed a longstanding relationship with Qatar, which supports autism not just in their country but all around the world,” Seiden said. “They have a strong commitment to make sure children across all different areas and regions of the world receive proper care.”
“The sooner children start treatment the better. We start at 18 months and go up to 18 years,” said Lisa Kunz, Director of The Pierce Autism Center. The Centers for Disease Control data finds that 1 out of 36 children are diagnosed with autism in the United States. Signs of autism may be present in a child as early as 6 months old or at toddlerhood often affecting boys more than girls. Parents may notice their child isn’t hitting developmental milestones or has difficulties in social interactions.
Kunz said there’s no cure for autism. Instead, it’s about providing children with tools they’ll need to function in society. They are taught how to cope in certain situations – how to be with their peers, how to share and do daily living functions.
“We give them the ability to survive,” Kunz said.
The center provides applied behavior analysis therapy (ABA therapy), which is an evidence-based approach with methods focused on positive reinforcement in highly individualized sessions. ABA therapy focuses on the development of coping skills to improve appropriate adaptive behaviors; enhancing social, language, communication, self-help and academic skills; and providing family guidance to build parental strategies and training. It also has been shown to be the most effective therapy for autistic individuals.
Kunz shared, “We work with families to address whatever concern or issue they are encountering at home or school. While at the center we see their progress, when a parent shares what progress they are making outside of our walls it really reminds me of the importance of what we do. One of our kids got cast in the school play, with speaking lines! Progress and change are possible for these children.”
“I hear a mother or father talk about a child who came in here who prior to that could not speak and now telling their mother and father they love them,” Seiden said. “The differences are huge in the lives of these children and families that it impacts.”
Families can contact the center for eligibility, which is based on financial need. https://pierceautismcenter.org/