New Autism center opens in Rockford
Written by Courtney Sisk, 2/18/2020
Original article: https://www.wifr.com/content/news/New-Autism-center-opens-in-Rockford-567988061.html
Caravel Autism Health is a therapy center designed for children and teens with autism. It is open in Rockford for evaluations, and will open for clients on March 2.
“In this area there is a lack of providers, and we have identified a need for both treatment and diagnostics services,” says Caravel Autism Health’s Clinical Director and lead BCBA Jessica Popilek-Ayling. “So that is why we are very excited to be able to bring this treatment to Rockford.”
Clinical leaders say there are several warning signs when it comes to diagnosing Autism. “It might be a child who tenses their body or rocks back and fourth, a child that might make finger movements [or] have strong sensory defensiveness,” says Popilek-Ayling.
The facility is home to several classroom settings for children to learn social skills, motor skills and comprehension. It will also have a room filled with trampolines, swings and video games. One in every 59 children in the U.S. has Autism, and professionals say that early detection is crucial in future therapy success.
“The earlier the better, that’s our biggest thing that we tell parents is that if you are questioning anything an evaluation isn’t going to hurt,” says Popilek-Ayling.
Clinical therapists say Autism doesn’t only impact the individual, but the family too.
“It’s so fun to watch the kids meet milestones, ad watch their family’s faces glow,” says Senior Therapist Kari Moendornink. “And it wasn’t just for the child, it was the excitement for the family.”
If you have questions or concerns and want to set up an evaluation, call 847-558-2862.
Read more: https://www.wifr.com/content/news/New-Autism-center-opens-in-Rockford-567988061.html
