Valley center searching for graduates to work with people diagnosed with autism
Mar 31, 2016, 4:42 PM | Updated: 4:44 pm
(SARRC Facebook Photo)
(SARRC Facebook Photo)
PHOENIX — With Arizona’s autism rate higher than the national average and a need for one-on-one therapy, clinical interventionists who specialize in autism spectrum disorder are in high demand.
One in 64 children in Arizona live with autism spectrum disorder, with boys being nearly five times more likely to be autistic than girls.
Amy Kenzer, the clinical services director for the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center spoke with KTAR 92.3 FM’s Bruce St. James and Pamela Hughes to talk about the staffing shortage.
“Because it’s so intensive, a lot of it happens in that one-to-one format,” Kenzer said.”So for every person with autism, you need at least one person that has the right training to help provide that intervention.”
Kenzer urged new college graduates with degrees in psychology, special education or social work to look into SARRC for a career in intervention.
“Come and visit us, and we’ll provide all the training that you need while you work with us to help these families,” Kenzer said.
KTAR News 92.3 FM, Wells Fargo and SARRC have teamed up to promote Action for Autism, where supporters who donate $20 a month can become Action Heroes and receive four lower-level tickets to an Arizona Diamondbacks game. Text ACTION to 411923 to get involved.
Wells Fargo will be matching donations dollar-for-dollar on Friday.
