Navicent Health, Mercer to Recognize Autism Awareness Month with Symposium on April 2

622

MACON – In recognition of National Autism Awareness Month, Autism Center, Navicent Health (ACNH), and Mercer University's Tift College of Education will partner to offer the community the inaugural Autism Spring Symposium. The symposium will take place on April 2, World Autism Day, in order to offer knowledge, training and resources to children and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

“I am elated that the Tift College of Education is partnering with Navicent Health and its Autism Center. Our upcoming symposium will bring together experts in the field from a variety of disciplines working together to provide resources, instruction and services. Our partnership represents a unique community-based integrative response by sharing hope and help with children and their families affected by autism,” said Dr. Jim Barta, dean of the College.

The Spring Symposium will begin at 8 a.m. at Mercer's Medical School Auditorium (1550 College Street, Macon). Speakers will discuss education initiatives, clinical research and early diagnoses. After a brief recess at 1 p.m., participants will be invited to tour ACNH (1014 Forsyth Street, Macon) between 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

“Our goal is to promote the earliest possible screening, diagnosis and intervention, with evidence-based treatment, so children with Autism Spectrum Disorder may reach their full potential in life. A well informed parent becomes an even more effective advocate for their child, leading to greater access to important ASD support services. We invite our community to join us for the Spring Symposium,” said Tripp Ritchie, director of ACNH.

To register for this free symposium, please call 478-301-2249 or click here. If you suspect that your child may have ASD, or if your child has been diagnosed with ASD, contact ACNH at 1-844-482-2264 to learn about the options and services available for families.

ASD is a developmental disorder that can cause social, communication and behavioral challenges. According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in 68 children in the U.S. have been identified with ASD, a disorder that affects all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups.

About Navicent Health

Navicent Health was incorporated on November 17, 1994, as a nonprofit corporation whose primary purpose is to coordinate the Medical Center, Navicent Health and other affiliated entities in their mission of providing a comprehensive continuum of high quality, reasonably priced healthcare services to the region. Navicent Health has 830 beds for medical, surgical, rehabilitation and hospice purposes. The health system includes Medical Center, Navicent Health, a nationally recognized tertiary teaching hospital; Children's Hospital, Navicent Health, the region's only dedicated pediatric hospital; Medical Center of Peach County, Navicent Health, a rural critical access hospital; Rehabilitation Hospital, Navicent Health, the region's oldest and most experienced rehabilitation provider; Pine Pointe Hospice, Navicent Health, which provides palliative and hospice care in homes and in its facility; Carlyle Place, Navicent Health, the area's first continuing care retirement community; Navicent Health Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Navicent Health; as well as diagnostic and home care services.