Forest-Warren Autism Early Identification

Diagnostic & Treatment Center Press Release

Electronic Fingerprinting Site

The Barber National Institute Rural Autism Program in North Warren, PA now serves as an approved electronic fingerprinting site to meet the Federal Criminal History Record checks required for staff working with children under Act 114. This applies to staff working in Department of Education and Department of Public Welfare programs and services. Site information concerning the availability of the service is accessible on the COGENT SYSTEMS (the Pennsylvania contractor for the service) website at www.pa.cogentid.com. Registration can occur online at that website, or by contacting the Warren office at 814-726-8440.

Thursday, April 16, 2007

Warren Celebrates Autism Awareness Month

From The Warren Times-Observer

The Barber National Institute recently joined forces with the Warren Public Library to bring autism awareness to the Warren community.  Over 20 individuals attended a public event at the library on Wednesday, April 11, which included an informational presentation by Behavior Specialist/Consultant Donna Volk as well as fun craft activities for the children.

In conjunction with the Rural Autism Grant Program, coordinated by LindaMay Price, the Barber National Institute donated a variety of books to the local library. These books will prove to be invaluable resources for parents, educators, professionals, and all individuals touched by someone with autism. Each book deals with unique aspects of their spectrum disorder which affects about 1 in 150 births. When diagnosed at an early age, autism can be treated successfully. Significant accomplishments are often seen with proper intervention.

The Institute is pleased to announce the opening of their own Parent Resource Library located at the Human Services Building, 27 Hospital Drive in North Warren. Al those interested are encouraged to come browse their collection of books, DVD’s, and online resources. Hours of operation are: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 12:30 to 4:30 pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. Extended hours are also available upon request.

Another program called P.E.P. or Parents Enabling Parents, links families new to the challenges of autism with experienced parents ready to offer support and assist in finding the proper resources.

For more information about the Barber National Institute and services provided by the Rural Autism Grant for Warren/Forest counties…you may contact LindaMay Price at (814) 726-8440.

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Coordinator Added to Area Autism Program

By BRIAN FERRY Staff Writer

2/10/2007 - Autism services in Warren and Forest counties has grown to the point that it needs a coordinator.

LindaMay Price has been appointed project coordinator for the Rural Autism Program, which focuses on the early diagnosis and treatment of autism in the two counties.

The program is funded through a state grant to the Barber National Institute in Erie and includes an Autism Early Identification Diagnostic and Treatment Center.

Price is the most recent addition to the team.

She is a graduate of Clarion University with bachelor's degrees in Rehabilitative Sciences and Special Education. Previously, she worked at the D.T. Watson Education Center in Sewickley and the Allegheny Valley School in Forest Grove.

In October, the Institute announced it had been awarded a $177,000 grant from the state Department of Public Welfare to enhance autism services in Warren and Forest counties.

That funding brought about a number of changes and new programs for autism services in the two counties.

In her new position, Price will work with families and agencies in the community and bring in new programs.

"There are already services within the county that are being provided," she said. "We're here to implement new ones and enhance the existing programs."

"The grant offers a lot of different services - training staff to identify symptoms, wrap-around behavioral services in the home and school, 24-hour crisis intervention with behavior specialist, family support groups..." Price said.

Several new programs are in the works with a Parent Resource Library with Internet access expected to open within the next few weeks, she said.

One of the support programs Price is excited about is a parent networking system.

"Parents Enabling Parents - that's a program that will link those experienced in living with autism with families to assist in finding resources and meeting new challenges," she said.

Families are not the only ones who need practice and exposure to new situations and methods. "We will offer ongoing training to assist professionals in enhancing their skills with the latest and best practices," Price said.

"Teleconferencing and telepsychiatry services will allow those in need of services to stay in Warren County instead of travelling to Erie, Pittsburgh or Philadelphia to see a specialist," Price said.

Identifying autism cases early is a priority.

"Early intervention is very, very crucial, especially with the autism spectrum," Price said.

That is another of her tasks. "I coordinate the services to get the ball rolling for diagnosing," she said.

April is Autism Awareness Month and the center has several programs coming up.

"In the near future, we're hoping to do a presentation at the Warren Library and donate some autism-related books," Price said. "We do a lot of training, we go to schools and places like the YMCA, increasing awareness of autism."

The Autism Center is located in the Warren County Department of Human Services at 27 Hospital Drive in North Warren. Price can be contacted at 726-8440.

October 30, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Grant Funds Expansion of Autism Services in Forest-Warren Counties

The Barber National Institute has been awarded a $177,000 grant from the Department of Public Welfare to enhance autism services in Warren-Forest Counties. The Barber National Institute is one of only two organizations statewide to receive this grant, which is designed to ensure that rural areas of Pennsylvania have greater access to quality services for the diagnosis and treatment of autism.

"The incidence of autism is rising across Pennsylvania, and it is essential that families residing in rural areas have quality resources readily available," said Maureen Barber-Carey, Ed.D., executive vice president of the Barber National Institute. "We know that the earlier that autism is identified, the more effective treatment can be. Early diagnosis and treatment can have a life-long impact on a child's life."

Details of the new program were announced Monday, Oct. 30 at a meeting of the Forest-Warren County Commissioners at the Warren County Courthouse.

The grant will fund development of an Autism Early Identification Diagnostic and Treatment Center, expected to open in November 2006 in the Forest-Warren Human Services building at 27 Hospital Drive in North Warren. The Center will coordinate services already in place in Forest-Warren counties to ensure that families receive timely diagnostic and other services, including wrap-around services in the home and school.

New services will include 24-hour crisis intervention with behavioral specialists and the development of a family support team. The team will consist of parents and other family members trained to assist families with the varied challenges they may experience. Offices will also house a Parent Resource Library with internet access.

The Center will also offer facilities for telepsychiatry to enable child psychiatrists in Erie to conduct live video psychiatric evaluations, reducing the need to travel to Erie for high quality assessment and treatment by a physician specializing in autism.

The Barber National Institute will also provide ongoing training for professionals working in the Forest-Warren areas to enhance their skills with the latest, best-practice approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of autism.

The initiative sponsored by the Department of Public Welfare, Autism Affairs is the result of recommendations set forth last year by the state's Autism Task Force, which identified a need in rural areas across Pennsylvania for additional professionals and services to meet the growing demand for autism services.

Forest-Warren counties have a combined population of 50,000 residents. Based on current statistics, the Barber National Institute anticipates identifying at least 30 children with autism in the coming year.

Autism is a disability that can affect children and adults across a broad spectrum with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Most commonly, autism impairs the development of social and communication skills, and affects one in every 166 children according to the Centers for Disease Control.