CENTER FOR AUTISM TO PROVIDE TRAINING, GUIDANCE TO CHILDREN, ADULTS AND FAMILIES
October 21, 2005
Written by Michael Castellon
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Oct. 20, 2005
CONTACT: Michael Castellon, m.castellon@ttu.edu
LUBBOCK - Children, adults and families affected by autism now have a new and innovative
resource that will allow them to seek guidance, training and education.
Texas Tech University College of Education officials have announced the opening of
The Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research, which will offer training and
individual and small group consultations for individuals affected by autism, as well
as their families and educators.
The center’s opening will be marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Oct.
20 at 4:30 p.m. in room 152 of the College of Education.
The center is open to people of all ages, and its services are provided free of charge.
“We want to improve quality of life issues for people who appear on the Autism spectrum,
their families and their educators,” said Dr. Robin Lock, co-director of the center.
“Parents, families and teachers often have so many questions and are confused about
how to manage or learn more about Autism, and that’s what this center is here to assist
them with.”
The center’s goal is to build a knowledge and skill base for parents, students, and
faculty working with students with autism and disseminate that knowledge and skills
to parents and educators.
“Autism hasn’t been aggressively studied until about 15 years ago, so those with loved
ones on the autism spectrum often need as much support and as many resources as they
can get,” said Dr. Carol Ann Layton, co-director of the center.
Autism is a complex developmental disability that affects an individual in the areas
of social interaction and communication. Autism affects each individual differently
and to varying degrees of severity. As many as 1.5 million Americans are thought to
have autism.
Those interested in consultations should contact The Jim and Jere Lynn Burkhart Center
for Autism Education and Research, (806) 742-1997.
CONTACT: Robin Lock, co-director of the Jim and Jere Lynn Burkhart Center for Autism
Education and Research, (806) 742-1997, ext. 288, robin.lock@ttu.edu
Carol Ann Layton, co-director of the Jim and Jere Lynn Burkhart Center for Autism
Education and Research, (806) 742-1997, ext. 286, carol.layton@ttu.edu
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