Kristin Harty Barkley
Cumberland Times-News
February 28, 2010 — CUMBERLAND — The new autism center at Jefferson School at Finan opened less than two months ago, but already, staff and students seem to be at home there.
So far, eight students from Allegany County public schools have been referred to the center, operated by Sheppard Pratt Health System, with the number expected to increase gradually to a maximum of 24, said Principal Bonnie Fetzer.
“We like to start them one at a time so they acclimate and get on target with their program,” Fetzer said, adding that current students range in age from 10 to 15. The center accepts children from kindergarten to age 21 who are referred through the school system or some other agency.
“We’re starting gradually and building.”
Located in a former residential cottage of the Brandenburg Center for adults with developmental disabilities, the new center has five spacious classrooms, a library, computer room and conference room, as well as a small kitchen, laundry room and “independent living area” where students can learn basic domestic tasks.
“They’ll be able to learn how to make a bed, fold clothes, clean up a table, set a table,” said Fetzer, who also runs the Jefferson School’s education program for children with emotional and behavioral problems, where 38 students are enrolled.
The autism center is designed specifically for children with severe autism and is modeled after other Sheppard Pratt programs in Hunt Valley, Gaithersburg and Westminster. Dr. Paul Livelli, director of autism educational services for Sheppard Pratt, is providing ongoing training for the new center’s staff.
Jodi Ellsworth, a licensed social worker, knew she wanted to work at the center as soon as she learned it was opening.
“I just feel a connection with them,” said Ellsworth, who formerly worked in Jefferson School’s education program and now is a behavior specialist at the autism center.
“We have some students who are totally nonverbal. Just to see them sign ‘yes’ for the first time is so rewarding.”
A complex neurobiological disorder, autism inhibits a person’s ability to communicate, respond to his surroundings and form relationships with others. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that one in 100 8-year-old children in the U.S. has been diagnosed with autism.
In Allegany County last year, 51 children enrolled in public schools were classified as autistic, according to the Maryland Department of Education. Statewide, more than 7,500 school children were classified as autistic, 2008 figures showed.
At the autism center Thursday, a group of students played Candyland as part of an occupational therapy exercise; another group received individualized instruction. At regular intervals during the day, students spend time in a “sensory integration room,” which includes a small trampoline, a swing and a roller that students can press themselves through.
“A lot of these students needs are very sensitive to tactile stimulus,” Fetzer said. “They love the swing. They get on it and spin and spin and spin. They need that. We don’t really offer it as a reward, we build it into their program.”
Students can stay at the autism center as long as necessary, Fetzer said, though their progress is closely monitored for signs of improvement.
“If at a certain time we feel it would be to their benefit, they could return to their community schools,” Fetzer said. “That’s always a goal of ours. If they can navigate it, if they’re making progress, that’s where they should be.”
Contact Kristin Harty Barkley at kbarkley@times-news.com.
