Hope Network Center for Autism hosting open house

Anna Skog
·2 min read

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Hope Network’s Center for Autism is holding an open house this week for people to learn how it helps those with Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

The CDC notes that 1 in 36 children have ASD. Just 10 years ago, the prevalence of ASD in children was 1 in 54. Hope Network’s Center for Autism in Holland has a staff of over 30 team members that offers daily applied behavior analysis to nearly 30 individuals, ranging from 18 months old to 21 years old.

Maggie Moore, the Executive Director for the Hope Network Center for Autism, said it offers one-on-one treatment with behavior technicians overseen by board certified behavior analysts.

“Often times, we’re working on communication skills, social skills, and then there might be repetitive interests and then there are behaviors that might be a response for a lack of ability to communicate or express their wants or needs,” Moore said.

Moore is also a parent to a child with Autism.

“It’s hard to have a child where you feel like you can’t quite meet all their needs. It’s been wonderful that I’ve been in the field so I know how to help teach my child and that’s something that we do help with the parents that we work with, is trying to give them skills to help teach their children how to learn, because learning might be a little bit different for them.”

While Moore says it can be difficult for a parent when their child is first diagnosed, the center hopes to show them all the ways they can succeed.

“It might be a different pathway, it does not have to be a sad pathway. They can be happy and celebrated. Individuals with autism are awesome and amazing and their minds work in incredible ways. And we just need to help them learn how to learn new skills and as soon as they start to fly, it’s amazing the things that they can do,” Moore said.

Hope Network’s Center for Autism is hosting an open house Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 11172 Adams Street in Holland.

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