HENDERSON, Nev. (FOX5) – Finding the right resources for a child with autism can be challenging, especially for Hispanic families navigating a language barrier.
The Pierce Autism Center located inside Touro University Nevada is working to change that by offering support to bilingual families.
The center offers Applied Behavior Analysis therapy and social skills workshops to help children on the spectrum grow. With nearly half of clients at Pierce being Hispanic, therapists at the center play a key part in making sure nothing gets lost in translation.
“When you have a neurodiverse child trying to navigate that situation in general it can be difficult because you’re on an island, you’re in a world that no one else understands,” said Board Certified Behavioral Analyst Jennifer McConnel. “When you add a language barrier in there it can be a little more difficult because there are some nuances that are very particular to the autism population.”
These children spend most of their time at home with their families, so the bilingual staff at the center also works closely with parents to make sure they have all the tools they need to support their child daily.
Sandra Villalobos, whose seven-year-old son Alex attends the center, said she has seen so much progress from when she first started bringing him.
Villalobos recalled a moment she will never forget, the first time Alex said “I love you” to his brother.
“He said I love brother because his brother was over there… I was so happy.”
The center has been a great tool for not only helping Alex communicate but also ensuring that Villalobos feels supported and understood.
The Pierce Autism Center accepts most insurance plans including Medicaid. For individuals who are not covered by insurance or have partial coverage, the center has funds available to help those who qualify for financial assistance.
For information about their programs, visit the Pierce Autism Center website.
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