SJU Formally Opens Doors to Autism Center
Campaign News 2 OCTOBER 2009
The numbers are terrifying – one in 150 children has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD); one in 94 boys; ten percent of all eight-year-olds. With nearly 70 diagnoses each day, the need for support is unquestionable.
Saint Joseph’s University began answering this call for help by opening the doors to its Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support on Friday, October 2. Established with multiple gifts totaling in excess of $8 million, with lead support coming from Paul ’70 and Margaret Hondros, the Center will offer a unique mix of services to families, educators, practitioners and service providers.
“There are many centers and institutes where the specialization is on research and medicine,” said Michelle Rowe, Ph.D., executive director of the Center. “What’s missing is a safe place to turn to following a diagnosis; a place where the only agenda is to provide support and information.”
With its roots in the Jesuit mission of service and cura personalis, or care for the whole person, the Kinney Center will address the needs of those who struggle day-to-day with autism, either as individuals or caregivers.
“Currently, the availability of autism education, research and support is clearly disproportionate to the needs of the millions of professionals and families impacted by this condition,” said Paul Hondros. “By the formation of the center, the singular focus of a gifted professor in Dr. Michelle Rowe, the dedicated staff, and the certification program in autism studies, SJU is positioned to develop the next generation of educators and social service professionals who can help the nation and the region meet this growing need.”
On hand to celebrate the opening will be lead donors Paul and Margaret Hondros. Paul is a graduate of the Class of 1970 and Chairman of SJU’s Board of Trustees. Autism is an issue close to their hearts, as the two share a son who was diagnosed at age three. The Center was named for Paul’s mother, Dorothy Kinney Hondros.
In addition, American Hall of Fame quarterback for the Miami Dolphins Dan Marino will be a featured guest at the Kinney Center opening. Marino and his wife, Claire, established the Dan Marino Foundation in 1992, following their son’s diagnosis with autism. The Foundation supports medical research, treatment and outreach programs for children with chronic illnesses and developmental disabilities. The Foundation has raised over $22 million dollars to provide these programs and services, benefitting hundreds of thousands of children and their families.
The University will gather, along with elected officials, representatives from area school districts, community members, and autism champions to learn more about the Center and officially cut the ribbon. Following the ceremony, all are welcome to tour the newly installed Kinney Center, located in Cynwyd Hall.
Saint Joseph’s University will draw on its history of interdisciplinary strengths in health services, education and psychology to provide resources relevant to working with people with ASD throughout the spectrum and the life cycle. A certificate in Autism Studies will be made available for undergraduates, and graduate coursework would apply toward a master’s degree in special education. Other planned initiatives include after-school programming and summer camps for students with ASD. SJU will also collaborate with other universities to create a model program to help college-age students with Asperger’s Syndrome, or high-functioning autism, successfully complete their undergraduate education.
In addition to executive director Dr. Rowe, the Center has hired Bernadette McNulty, Ph.D., as senior director of operations, and Katharine Croce, M.Ed., as director of programs, training and service. Dr. McNulty comes to SJU from Melmark, Inc. and Croce joins the Kinney Center after working at the Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22. Faculty from across the University who work in the field of autism will also support the Kinney Center.
The new Kinney Center facility features expanded classroom and training space, meeting rooms and administrative offices, equipped with the following:
State-of-the-art lighting, with a quiet design to eliminate the buzz often given off by standard lighting. The buzz can have a negative impact on certain individuals with autism who have heightened senses. A sensory room, fitted with padded flooring and walls, along with a quiet area, creating a safe environment for both hypoactive and hyperactive visitors. In addition, the sensory room will house two swings and a smart board television that will allow visitors to interact with educational programs.
Plans are also underway to provide a library for anyone seeking information about autism. Journals, books, videos, etc. will be made available to the public. University strives to be recognized as the preeminent Catholic comprehensive university in the Northeast.
Saint Joseph's Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support will bring a unique approach to the field. Rooted in the Jesuit mission of service to others and cura personalis , or care for the whole person, the Center will act as a practical and supportive resource for educators, professionals, and families affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
“Currently, the availability of autism education, research and support is clearly disproportionate with the need of the millions of professionals and families impacted by the disorder,” said Paul Hondros. “The Kinney Center will meet the needs of all those impacted by Autism and will place the University among the national leaders in the field as an interdisciplinary endeavor concerned for people with autism throughout the life cycle and across the spectrum of the disorder.” | Visit the Kinney Center's Web site
“There are many centers and institutes where the specialization is on research and medicine,” said Michelle Rowe, Ph.D., executive director of the Kinney Center. “What makes our center special will be the focus on the needs of those who struggle day-to-day dealing with autism.”
Among the Center's top priorities will be addressing the lack of proper training for individuals who evaluate, treat, educate and provide other services for people living with autism. “ASD is considered the fastest-growing developmental disorder in the country, yet, our current education system is not equipped to handle the demand,” Rowe added.
Outreach and advocacy will also top the Center's agenda, with the goal of creating a safe environment for parents and family members to network and gather information. In addition, the center will serve as a resource for understanding and becoming involved with public policy related to Autism.
“Our hope is that the Kinney Center becomes not just a place where educators gain the skills and support they need to serve students with ASD, but also a place where caregivers can turn when they need help navigating the medical and insurance industry and the special education systems in their school districts,” said Rowe, also a professor of interdisciplinary health services.
Saint Joseph's University will draw on its history of interdisciplinary strengths in education, psychology, health services and philosophy to provide resources relevant to working with people with ASD throughout the spectrum and the life cycle. A certificate in Autism Studies will be made available for undergraduates, and graduate coursework would apply toward a master's degree in special education. Other planned initiatives include after-school programming and summer camps for students with ASD. SJU will also collaborate with other universities to create a model program to help college-age students with Asperger's Syndrome, or high-functioning autism, successfully complete their undergraduate education.