Center for Autism: CEHHS and Beaumont initiative awarded $750,000

The College of Education and Health and Human Services (CEHHS) was awarded $750,000 by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to assist in starting the Center for Autism, a University of Michigan-Dearborn and Beaumont Health System partnership.

CEHHS Dean Janine Janosky said that nearly 18,000 students were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 2011 and there is an estimated of 50,000 Michigan residents with ASD. Educators with experience on this special need are in demand.

“If you look at the prevalence and incidence for diagnosis of the autism spectrum disorder in Michigan, you see there is an increase in both. You also see there is a gap between the number of individuals prepared to work in that profession and the individuals being diagnosed,” she said. “So the college is here to work to fill that gap.”

The goal is to train at least 225 registered behavior technicians. In addition, the center will educate 25 board certified assistant behavior analysts (BCaBA) through a certificate program.

The center—which will be housed in the building shared by UM-Dearborn’s Early Childhood Education Center and Beaumont’s Center for Exceptional Families (CEF)—is expected to open in Fall 2016.

View full article in The Reporter.

CEHHS working on the development of a new Autism center

FLINT, MI - The College of Education, Health and Human Services (CEHHS) in collaboration with Oakwood Center for Exceptional Families (CEF) is working on the development of a new Autism Center that will focus on comprehensive services along with family and trainee education.This was announced by UM-Dearborn's Chancellor Daniel Little Ph.D. on October 15, 2015.

Chancellor Little stated that a $750,000 grant was awarded to the College of Education, Health and Human Services from The State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. These funds will be used to increase the number of registered behavior technicians and board certified assistant behavior analysts in Michigan. In addition, community-based seminars will be held at the Dearborn campus.

Additional information regarding the grant will follow soon.

New B.A. in Child's Life Meets Critical Demand For Specialists to Impact Child Health

The College of Education, Health, and Human Services recently brought to life a new Bachelor of Arts in Child's Life. 

The program is one of only three in the state to specifically focus on preparing students to be child life specialists.

“Child life specialists work with children living with serious chronic or acute medical conditions, by interacting with the child and their parents, their teachers, and their healthcare providers,” said CEHHS Dean Janine Janosky. “Through the integration of education and health and human services, the focus is upon helping children to express and understand their emotions so the child’s overall well-being is strengthened.”

The degree prepares students to reduce the negative impact of stressful or traumatic events—particularly those related to healthcare and hospitalization—for both children and their families. Students train to promote effective coping through play, preparation, education and self-expression activities.

Child’s life specialists are placed in a broad range of work environments, including:

• Emergency departments
• Surgical units
• Intensive care units
• Special needs camps
• Medical and dental practices

“Health professionals and researchers recognize the detrimental impact of child trauma and distress to health throughout the lifespan.  University of Michigan Dearborn trained Child’s Life professionals will be on the front lines of protecting lifetime health through their intervention and service during vulnerable periods in a child’s development.  UM-Dearborn’s new Department of Health and Human services is dedicated to health promotion and prevention at every stage of life.”

The 120-credit program will include coursework in health, education, and children and family life. Students will gain direct training in the field through a clinical experience under the supervision of a certified child life specialist.

Roddy said graduates will be prepared to certify as child’s life specialists through the Child Life Council exam.

For more information on the degree, visit http://umdearborn.edu/cehhs/hhs/ or call 313-593-5090.