In 2011 the Ozark Center for Autism school was destroyed by the May 22 tornado. They are in rebuilding efforts currently but continue to serve and meet the needs of children affected by autism

Autism, a developmental disability, affects a child’s ability to communicate with loved ones and interact in the world.

Prior to opening Ozark Center for Autism in fall 2007, families seeking treatment for children with autism had two choices—relocate to receive treatment or go without it. Today, thanks to many generous supporters, Ozark Center for Autism offers hope and continues to expand services to children and families dealing with autism. The center is experiencing excellent outcomes and the children are progressing in communication, learning, and social development.

Developed in consultation with the Cleveland Clinic Autism Consulting Group, Ozark Center for Autism is one of only a few treatment centers of its caliber. The highly educated and trained staff at Ozark Center for Autism utilize the only evidenced-based practice proven to be effective in the treatment of autism, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Students attend school year-round to maximize opportunities for growth and development in language, emotion, social skills, and interests.

Ozark Center for Autism services include:

• Preschool Program
  • One-to-one intensive early behavior intervention for infants through 6 years
• Special Education Center
  • Treatment and education for students ages 3 – 21; accredited by Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education
• Behavioral consultation
• ABA consultation
• Intensive In-home ABA
• Occupational, physical, and speech and language therapy
• Parent/caregiver education
• Individualized training and ongoing consultation with local schools
• Monthly Autism Support Group
• Psychiatric evaluation/assessment
• Case management and advocacy
• Personal assistance
• In-home respite
• Autism Diagnostic Center
  • Beginning January 2011

Why Ozark Center for Autism works:

• Highly educated and skilled staff including behavior analysts; special education teachers; occupational, physical, and speech and language therapists; and implementers, or aid, with autism training and experience
• High teacher to student ratios
• We use the latest evidence-based treatment proven effective for children, adolescents, and young adults with autism
• Staff receive ongoing training to keep current with new research available in the field
• Every student has specific, developmentally appropriate individualized goals
• Data collection and analysis occur daily to support goals
• Curriculum contains activities to build self-help, daily living, and prevocational skills
• Targeted learning opportunities help develop social skills in everyday, community settings, such as grocery stores and playgrounds
• Year-round treatment prevents regression associated with extended time without treatment
• Parents attend orientation sessions and regular conferences to maintain involvement and help continue teaching techniques in the home

To learn more about Ozark Center for Autism, please contact Jennifer Kirby at 417.347.7850, or to provide support for children with autism, please contact Heather Collier at 417.347.7697.

School address:

TBA

Mailing address:

P.O.Box 2526
Joplin, MO 64803

Facts about Autism

• Autism is actually a group of developmental disorders that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges.
• Autism affects each child in different ways, and can range from very mild to severe.
• Autism is the fastest growing childhood developmental disability .
• According to the CDC, an average of 1 in 110 children (1 in 70 for boys) in the U.S have autism.
• Autism is more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes, and pediatric AIDS combined.
• There is no known cause or cure for autism.
• Early intensive intervention is the key.
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) provides the only evidence-based treatment proven to be effective in the treatment of autism.