UCM's autism program gets third federal grant
Mar 2, 2010, 8:56 AM
WARRENSBURG, Mo.--The University of Central Missouri will receive federal funding for its Midwest Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders for the third consecutive year.
The center will receive $280,000 in grant funds made possible by the federal 2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act.
“Over the past two decades, there has been a marked increase in the number of people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The Midwest Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders provides vital support for this growing population in rural Missouri," U.S Rep. Ike Skelton said.
UCM received a $286,898 grant in 2008 to help plan and launch the center, followed by $285,000 in 2009 for the second phase of development, which included providing consultation and training for area schools, working with teachers, and scheduling and performing clinical evaluations of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Both of these grants were made possible through Omnibus appropriations bills.
UCM President Aaron Podolefsky said “Faculty and staff across three of our academic colleges are committed to providing services that benefit children with autism disorders, their families and school districts, but doing so is highly dependent on these federal funds,” Podolefsky said.
Parents of children with ASD and anyone else who is interested in making a referral or learning more about the center may call 660-543-4272.
