Free Developmental Screenings Offered to Children in New Smyrna Beach
Great Strides Rehabilitation, an H2 Health Company based in Jacksonville provides a comprehensive treatment approach for children with autism and other developmental disabilities has expanded its operations into the New Smyrna Beach area.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 44 children in the US have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and 1-in-6 children in the U.S. have some form of developmental disability ranging from mild speech delays to serious conditions such as cerebral palsy and autism.
To meet the demand, a North Florida pediatric rehab center is now expanding its reach to help children in Volusia County. It’s called Great Strides Rehabilitation and their mission is aimed at enhancing the quality of life for children and young adults with Autism and other special needs.
The new location will be located near WinnDixie inside of the H2 Health and Wellness building at 140 Wallace Rd, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168. The center is now taking patients and hopes to have a Grand Opening within the next few weeks.
Great Strides Rehabilitation was started in 2004 and operates as a unique one-stop shop providing multiple therapies and educational services for children ages birth to 21.
Dr. Jon Edenfield the executive director and founder of Great Strides Rehabilitation said, “We have a unique approach to children’s therapies. We offer families a collaborative team of therapy professionals under one roof.” Some of the services offered include Applied Behavior Analysis, Occupational therapy, Physical therapy, Speech therapy, Music therapy and more.
When it comes to Children with special needs in Volusia County, the numbers continue to rise. It is estimated that there are 2000 or more children on the Autism Spectrum living in Volusia County and more than 10,000 children who have some form of developmental disability.
Edenfield stresses the importance for parents to be on the lookout for warning signs and symptoms associated with autism and developmental disabilities.
“They may focus on particular parts of a toy versus playing with the whole toy, they may not play back and fourth with other children, or their communication may be delayed,” Edenfield said.
To assist parents Great Strides Rehabilitation Inc will offer free screenings to families who have concerns about their children. The parents will be able to talk with one of the therapists at Great Strides about their child to determine if additional evaluation is warranted.
Many insurance companies and Florida Medicaid offer coverage for Great Stride’s therapy services.
For more information on therapy services offered, or to obtain a free screening, visit their website, GreatStridesRehab.com or call 904.886.3228
Additional information:
· April is National Autism Awareness month
Resources:
o Therapy Clinic for children with Autism and other special needs ·
o CDC website on Autism
o Leading Non-profit organization providing information on Autism
o Florida Autism Centers (state program providing resources for children and adults with Autism)
