Four County Mental Health Center, Inc.  Serving Chautauqua, Elk, Montgomery and Wilson County, Kansas

 "Four County Mental Health Center  is dedicated to providing  accessible, innovative services in partnership with individuals, families and our communities."

 

Autism Presentation  - Hans Haltom, Outpatient Therapist at Four County Mental Health Center will address theories about the causes of autism, the symptoms, and interventions.  Haltom will begin a series of presentations on autism that will be held throughout the coming months. 
    Autism, a complex developmental disability affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others.  Autism is characterized by three distinctive behaviors.  Autistic children have difficulties with social interaction, display problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and exhibit repetitive behaviors or narrow, obsessive interests.  These behaviors can range in impact from mild to disabling.  Autism varies widely in its severity and symptoms and may go unrecognized, especially in mildly affected children or when more debilitating handicaps mask it.  There is no cure for autism and children do not ‘outgrow” autism.   Early diagnosis and intervention lead to significantly improved outcomes.
    Haltom has been with Four County Mental Health Center for 7 years and provides therapy for adults and children with a variety of mental health problems including those with developmental problems such as symptoms of autism.   Haltom has attended several continuing education programs on Autism. Have a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology and hold a Licensed Master's Level Psychologist License in the State of Kansas.  As an undergraduate, worked for Special Education Coop. and an independent living organization serving individuals with similar developmental problems.  
    This presentation will be held from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Four County Mental Health Center – North, 1101 Donald Avenue, Independence in the Wesley Room.  There will be no charge for this presentation.  Anyone who has a family member affected by autism or who works with individuals affected by autism are encouraged to attend.  Certificates of attendance will be available if continuing education is needed.  Although not mandatory, pre-registration is requested.  To pre-register contact Susan Hill, (620) 332-1912.