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PRESS RELEASE
June 25, 2009
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For Immediate Release
Contact:
Julie Capobianco, 813-892-5756
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USF AND BEHAVIORAL CONSULTING PARTNER FOR AUTISM SCREENING
Free Screenings Available Saturday, July 18th
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TAMPA, FL - June 25, 2009 -
Statistics
show the family of child with autism, will spend between three and five million
dollars over the course of the child's lifetime, however, with early diagnosis
and intervention, the cost of that lifelong care can be reduced by two-thirds. Autism is the fastest-growing
developmental disability and affects one in every 150 children. This year, more
children will be diagnosed with autism than with cancer, diabetes, Down
syndrome and AIDS combined.
Parents
of children diagnosed with autism will tell you early diagnosis and
intervention is the key to an appropriate and effective treatment plan. Although there is no medical test to
determine a diagnosis, according to the Autism Society of America, an accurate diagnosis must be based on
observation of the individual's communication, behavior and developmental
levels.
To assist parents who may be uncertain about their child's behavior
patterns, Behavioral Consulting of Tampa Bay is partnering with the USF Silver
Child Development Center to conduct free
Autism Spectrum Disorder Screenings on Saturday,
July 18th between 10am and 1pm for children 18 months to 11
years old.
"Many young children with autism may appear to have problems with
hearing or exhibit odd or repetitive behaviors," explains Kelley Gardner-Prince,
President of Behavioral Consulting of Tampa Bay. "Early intervention and intensive treatment is vital to the
development of a child diagnosed with autism."
Licensed psychologist, Dr. Danielle Sutton of the USF Autism Clinic
will be conducting the complimentary assessments at Behavioral Consulting of
Tampa Bay's Wesley Chapel office located at 3717 Turman Loop, Suite 102 in
Wesley Chapel and behavioral analysts will be on site to offer guidance to parents
on early intervention services including Applied Behavioral Analysis, speech
therapy and occupational therapy as well as referral information.
"We're so pleased to have the opportunity to be teaming with USF,"
says Gardner-Prince. "We're really
hoping to reach out to families who may have concerns or questions over the
development of their child or grandchild."
Those interested in bringing their children for an evaluation are
asked to R.S.V.P. to Behavioral Consulting at 813-265-0210. Childcare will also be provided at no
charge.
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About Behavioral Consulting of Tampa Bay
Behavioral Consulting of Tampa Bay
implements Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) programs with an emphasis on verbal
behavior. Our skill acquisition
programs, customized for each child's learning needs, focus on evoking language
and communication, self-help skills, compliance behavior and appropriate peer
and social skills. We
provide discreet trial teaching in addition to natural environment teaching,
while using error-less learning techniques. To maintain a consistent level of quality, our Board
Certified Behavior Analysts oversee programs and evaluate and document progress
every 4 weeks.
Behavioral Consulting of Tampa Bay
compared the rate of development in 18 clients who were between the ages of 2
and 7 years old during the onset of services. All received our intensive instruction averaging 10 hours a
week for 5 months. We found, on
average, the group more than doubled their
original skill set. Based on these findings, we're
confident that all children, regardless of skill deficits, diagnosis, or
behavior, can learn skills and develop behaviors never before thought possible
if a quality behavior analysis program is implemented.
Behavioral Consulting of Tampa Bay has 2
locations to serve you: 6916 W. Linebaugh Avenue, Suite 102 in Tampa and 3717
Turman Loop, Suite 102, in Wesley Chapel.
For more information, please visit their website, www.bcotb.com,
call 813-265-0210 or send an email to info@bcotb.com.
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