“Founded in 1976, the Autism Treatment Center provides life-changing autism-specific services to North Texas children and adults with autism. Autism is the nation’s leading development disability and currently affects 1 in 68 children, causing a delay in effective communication and socialization. Individuals with autism also often have restrictive interests and sensory challenges. Early-intervention services, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Speech, Occupational, and Physical therapies are provided at ATC’s out-patient Therapy Clinic to help increase independence and self-sufficiency for a life-time of success.
“ATC’s services have evolved to respond to the needs of the community. When our organization started providing services for six Dallas families, not much was known about autism or how to treat it. Over 39 years, our program has expanded to meet the needs of the community and we now field over 1,500 phone calls from families searching for services.
“The Autism Treatment Center operates Dallas’ only Texas Education Agency-approved school with an autism-specific curriculum from its Crystal Charity Ball Educational Wing. The school provides year-round services to 45 children with autism using innovative technology to teach educational and daily-living skills. Upon graduation, individuals transition into the Adult Services program where they have opportunities to provide volunteer services to other Dallas County nonprofit organizations. Each month, volunteers provide over 1,600 hours of volunteer service.
“We appreciate the support of the North Texas community to assist us in our social mission to assist people with autism and related disorders throughout their lives as they learn, play, work and live in the community. North Texas Giving Day is a wonderful opportunity for the community to learn more about our program and support a cause that is affecting more and more families in our community.
“To learn more about the programs and services of the Autism Treatment Center, please visit www.atcoftexas.org. To access ATC’s Giving Day profile and make a donation, please follow the link https://www.northtexasgivingday.org/#npo/autism-treatment-center.”
-By Anna Hundley, Autism Treatment Center executive director
* Graphic and photos provided by Autism Treatment Center