Autism School for Children Sprouts in Rio Grande Valley
After spreading the slogan of 'Light it up Blue' on the World Autism Day, the Shape of Behavior Clinic and School has opened up in the Rio Grande Valley.
Autism is a neurological disorder, which has neither medicine nor cure. Surveys tell us that, one out of every 68 children suffer from neurological disorder. Since such diseases have no cure, the condition of the patients can only be improved by external influences. The Shape of Behaviour is the Rio Grandes Valley's first applied behavioural analysis treatment facility, which focuses on treating children with autism by developing personalized learning programs for each child.
"I think the opening of this clinic is a great step to improving the service for the kids of the Valley," board certified behaviour analyst Megan Gianotti said.
The end goal for each child that attends the centre is "to be as independent as they can be in all areas of their lives, to participate with their families, to be able to participate in their communities and to be able to participate in all aspects of their daily lives," Gianotti said.
David Delgado with the Autism Society of the Rio Grande Valley said some of his family members are living with autism. It's why he's doing everything he can to raise awareness and money to help fund treatment for children here.
"(It's) more than likely that you're going to encounter somebody that has autism," Delgado said. "What's interesting about it is that it impacts all socioeconomic statuses."
The school aspires to improve and stabilize the mental health of the suffering by events such as walks and runs, and many more activities.
"(I hope to) make it to where individuals don't have to leave the area, where they can actually get help (here)," Delgado said. "Maybe we can make differences in lives - it takes little steps at a time."
