Hunterdon Medical Center To Receive Grant for Autism Center
Published May 6, 2008
“It has been almost two and a half years since we walked through the doors of Hunterdon Medical Center, looking for answers as to why our two year old daughter was not developing and meeting her milestones. Some testing was completed by Neurodevelopmental pediatrician Audrey Mars, M.D and the staff of the Child Development Center, and the word “autism” was the diagnosis,” explained Michelle Waiser of Bridgewater. Hunterdon Medical Center recognizes the growing number of cases of autism in the state of New Jersey and is pleased to announce a letter of intent to fund the Hunterdon Regional Autism Center. This funding will be provided by The New Jersey Governor’s Council for Medical Research and Treatment of Autism, Special Child Health and Early Intervention Services, New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services.
Autism is a neurobiological disorder that impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others. It is also associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors, such as obsessively arranging objects or following very specific routines. Today, 1 in 150 individuals is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups and is four times more likely to strike boys than girls.
“The key focus of the Hunterdon Regional Autism Center at Hunterdon Medical Center is to improve the quality of life of individuals with autism spectrum disorders in Hunterdon, Warren, Somerset and Mercer counties,” stated Audrey Mars, M.D., Neurodevelopmental Pediatrician at Hunterdon Medical Center who has also been regarded as an expert in the treatment of Autism. Dr. Mars further explained, “The center will provide increased access to multidisciplinary assessment and treatment programs, behavioral and pharmacological treatment programs that target core and associated symptoms of autism, while providing the intense monitoring and follow-up necessary for optimal therapeutic effect.” The center will also provide community based services through training and collaboration with primary care physicians, family medicine, pediatricians, pediatric residents and local school districts.
“The Hunterdon Regional Autism Center will be the start of a journey that would make the road less bumpy for families. Early detection, family support, and outreach to schools are some of the key factors that will only help in the fight. With the Hunterdon Medical Center team in place, knowledge, expertise, and compassion, will be given to the families and the community, stated Mrs. Waiser.
The Hunterdon Regional Autism Center will be housed in the Child Development Center at Hunterdon Medical Center. The Child Development Center has a 30 year tradition of serving children with special needs and their families.