April 03, 2013

Media Advisory -- Rep. Bradley Visit/Autism Month

In conjunction with National Autism Awareness Month in April, state Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, will visit Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at the Rehabilitation Institute on Thursday, April 4.

Reporters, photographers and news crews are welcome to cover Bradley’s visit to the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at 1 p.m.  The center is located in Wham Education Building, Room 124.  Bradley will be touring the center, discussing autism, and what the center does to help children, their families, and professionals.  The center has been providing treatment for children since 2003.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) encompasses a wide range of complex brain development disorders affecting about one in 110 American children.  Research indicates that early, intensive treatments lead to better results and outcomes for children with ASD.  Programs assist children from one year old through college age, as well as families and professionals in the field.  The center also serves as an educational experience for SIU Carbondale students in the field of study.

For more information about the center or Bradley’s visit, contact Valerie E. Boyer, assistant professor and center director, at 618/453-8262 or by email at valboyer@siu.edu