The Denison Community Association's Hope for Autism committee has organized a day-long seminar on autism research and Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy to be presented by the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism. The seminar, which is free of charge and open to the public, is from 10:30 a.m. through the afternoon on Saturday (Oct. 7) in the Burton D. Morgan Center Lecture Hall. There is no required pre-registration.

The Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism presented a similar program at Denison two years ago. Jocelyn Eskenazi, the outreach coordinator for the Center, will lead the program this year. It will include an in-depth seminar on ABA therapy as well as answering questions. Parents of autistic children, teachers, friends and area residents interested in the issue of autism are welcome to attend this session which is being coordinated by Danny Conine and Claire Anderson, co-chairs of the Hope for Autism committee.

The Hope for Autism committee is dedicated to helping children with autism improve in academics, social skills and overall confidence. It has 125 student volunteers who work with 14 autistic children in the Licking County area providing one to two hours of daily therapy for each child. Typically, five to 10 student volunteers are assigned to each child enrolled in the program. The committee volunteered 5,832 hours last year, which it valued at more than $87,000.

Autism is a neurological disorder that may affect one out of every 160 children born today. Many autistic children are unable to learn in a traditional class setting and may require one-on-one interactions and direct instructions individualized to their level of understanding. The Denison students provide ABA therapy, which has been shown to be effective in keeping the child's attention.

Calendar Listing:

CALENDAR LISTING: Denison University, Granville -- The Denison Community Association 's Hope for Autism committee hosts a day-long seminar on autism research and therapy presented by the Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism; 10:30 a.m., Saturday (Oct. 7) in the Burton D. Morgan Center Lecture Hall (150 Ridge Road). Free and open to the public. No pre-registration is required. Call (740) 587-6474 to confirm information.

About Denison:

Denison University, founded in 1831, is an independent, residential liberal arts institution located in Granville, Ohio. A highly selective college enrolling 2,100 full-time undergraduate students from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries, Denison is a place where innovative faculty and motivated students collaborate in rigorous scholarship, civic engagement and the cultivation of independent thinking.

For press inquiries:

Name

Barbara Stambaugh

Position Title

Director, Media Relations

Primary Email

stambaughb@denison.edu

Business Phone

(740) 587-8575