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WMU Launches New Autism Center

Mike Lanka
/
WMU University Relations

Western Michigan University cut the ribbon Friday on a new program to help people with autism and related disorders. Michigan Lieutenant-Governor Brian Calley was among those on hand for the event. Calley says it shouldn't be a surprise that the Western Evaluation Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, or WECAN, is in Kalamazoo.

"Western Michigan University is the best in this field. It is the best in this field anywhere in the nation and probably anywhere around the world. And it totally changes the direction of peoples' lives." WECAN is part of Western’s Autism Center for Excellence. The program offers diagnosis services and treatment recommendations for people with autism and their families.

Calley, whose daughter is autistic, says programs like WECAN can have a big effect on the lives of people living with autism.

"And I can tell you the night-and-day difference between having professionals like the ones that are created here at Western and not is the difference between opening up a world of opportunity or being relegated to a world of seclusion and dis-involvement."

WMU officials say WECAN will help those with autism and their families get services more quickly. It involves the universty's colleges of Arts and Sciences and Health and Human Services. The program is in the Unified Clinics Building on Oakland Drive.

In 2014, WMU won $4 million in state funding for autism services.

Andy Robins has been WMUK's News Director since 1998 and a broadcast journalist for over 24 years. He joined WMUK's staff in 1985. Under his direction, WMUK has received numerous awards for news reporting.
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