KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — Western Michigan University’s Kalamazoo Autism Center has opened its new home on South Westnedge Avenue.
Clinical Director Kelly Kohler said it’s a big change. The facility can now treat 40 people between the ages of two and 21.
“We were averaging around six,” Kohler said. “At one point we had around 10, and we were pretty much stepping all over each other.”
Kohler said, though the center itself has moved from cramped quarters at the Child Development Center on Cork Street, the overall goals remain the same.
“We’re working one-on-one to provide the very intensive services they need,” Kohler said. “We also have some that need to learn to work in a group, or need to learn social skills, or need to learn play skills.”
The building was purchased by the school a year ago.
Renovations to the building were paid for in part by a $4 million grant from the legislature.
