Cleveland Clinic Launches “Integrated” Preschool Program

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital Center for Autism will offer an integrated part-time preschool program beginning this school year.

According to Thomas Frazier, Ph.D., the intensive evidence-based behavioral intervention program will serve children with high functioning autism three days per week.

The classroom allows for up to 10 children with autism and 5 neuro-typical children.

The curriculum is designed to focus on building communication, play, social interaction and kindergarten readiness skills, said Frazier. He said that will be accomplished through participation in circle time, music, art, gym and play.

The first class, which begins on August 28th, will be at the Shaker Heights campus of the Cleveland Clinic. The hope is to expand the program throughout Northeast Ohio.

“We can serve more kids,” said Frazier. “We’d like to be able to serve them close to their homes.”

For more information on the program, click here or call the Center for Autism at (216) 448-6440.