DALLAS TWP. — The Autism Center at Misericordia University recently held a grand opening celebration for the community, friends and clients. As a regional hub for the Autism Collaborative Centers of Excellence, the Autism Center helps connect people with autism spectrum disorders and their families with services and supports in the area.

The College of Health Sciences and Education at Misericordia University established the Autism Center in 2015 as a community resource for caregivers, clinicians, practitioners and students majoring in the health and medical sciences fields. The center places a special emphasis on interprofessional collaboration in support of the autistic community.

The Autism Center features the Autism Lifelong Learning Program, which provides pre-employment and employment services in support of community integration at the post-high school level. It also offers a Summer Transition Experience for Students with Autism, a four-week class that provides adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder the skills they need to successfully transition to adulthood and the work environment.

The center holds a Summer Sensory Social Camp and an Autism Distinguished Speaker Series, and collaborates on activities with Cougars for Autism Awareness, a student organization dedicated to spreading awareness and educating others about autism. In addition, the Autism Center recently added swim lessons and an open swim session for people with autism on Wednesday evenings at the Misericordia University Anderson Sports and Health Center.

In collaboration with Supporting Autism & Families Everywhere, the center also hosts a series of art activities specifically designed for children and adults with autism. The two-hour sessions are on Tuesday evenings, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the center. The art sessions are free and open to individuals with autism of all ages, along with their parents/caregivers and siblings. No painting or art experience is necessary. Pre-registration is required for the swim and art activities.

The Autism Center at Misericordia University recently held a grand opening so people could tour the facility at 50 Lake St. in Dallas and meet with staff, administration and friends of the program. Participating in the special event, from left, are John P. Moses, Esq., chairperson, AllOne Foundation Board; President Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D., Misericordia University; Dean Barbara Schwartz-Bechet, Ed.D., College of Health Sciences and Education, Misericordia University; John Graham, member, AllOne Foundation Board; Kristin Hoffman, M.S., S.E., director, Autism Center at Misericordia University, and John W. Cosgrove, executive director, AllOne Foundation.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/web1_FOR-PUBLICATION-Autism-Center-grand-opening.jpg.optimal.jpgThe Autism Center at Misericordia University recently held a grand opening so people could tour the facility at 50 Lake St. in Dallas and meet with staff, administration and friends of the program. Participating in the special event, from left, are John P. Moses, Esq., chairperson, AllOne Foundation Board; President Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D., Misericordia University; Dean Barbara Schwartz-Bechet, Ed.D., College of Health Sciences and Education, Misericordia University; John Graham, member, AllOne Foundation Board; Kristin Hoffman, M.S., S.E., director, Autism Center at Misericordia University, and John W. Cosgrove, executive director, AllOne Foundation. Submitted photo