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 second annual Spring Symposium for Autism and Developmental Disorders. The symposium will take place on April 8 in order to offer knowledge, training and resources to individuals and families living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disorders.
“The Tift College of Education is proud to partner again this year with Autism Center, Navicent Health, to bring together various experts on autism and related disorders. We continue to foster a community of advocacy for children with ASD and their families. The symposium is a great way for participants to gain insights and share information, strategies and accessible resources for families,” said Kelly Reffitt, Ph.D., associate dean in the Tift College of Education.
The symposium will begin at 8 a.m. in the Eversole Auditorium at The Medical Center, Navicent Health (877 Hemlock Street, Macon). Parking will be available in the Green Parking Deck. Speakers will discuss home, school and community resources across the individual's lifespan. Those in attendance will also have the opportunity to consult with various community providers throughout the day. Following the seminar, participants will be invited to tour ACNH (1014 Forsyth Street, Macon). Parents, educators, clinicians and students are invited to attend this free event.
“Our goal is to promote the earliest possible screening, diagnosis and intervention, with evidence-based treatment, so children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or other developmental disorders may reach their full potential in life. This symposium is a wonderful opportunity to bring the community together to discuss available services. Well informed families become greater advocates, leading to greater success for the individual and family,” said Elizabeth Young, M.D., medical director of ACNH.
To register for this free symposium, call 478-301-5397, or visit www.tinyurl.com/muautism.
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.
If you suspect that your child may have a developmental disability, or if your child has been diagnosed with a developmental disability, contact ACNH at 1-844-482-2264 to learn about the options and services available for families.
About Navicent Health
Navicent Health was incorporated on Nov. 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 The 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, 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. For more information, visit www.navicenthealth.org.
About the Tift College of Education
Mercer University's Tift College of Education – with campuses in Macon, Atlanta and the University's three Regional Academic Centers – prepares more professional educators than any other private institution in Georgia. The College offers baccalaureate and graduate degrees, and is guided by the conceptual framework of the “Transforming Practitioner,” which supports those who aspire to grow professionally throughout their careers, while also seeking to transform the lives of students. education.mercer.edu
