Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

Freeman Health System’sOzark Center – Joplin , Missouri
Ozark Center for Autism Program

What is it?
Freeman Health System’s Ozark Center provides comprehensive behavioral health services to children, adults, and families in the four-state area. Ozark Center for Autism opened its doors in fall 2007 with six children, and nine more have enrolled since the opening. Developed in consultation with the Cleveland Clinic Autism Consulting Group, Ozark Center for Autism provides world-class, evidence-based treatment, using intensive one-on-one therapy designed to prepare preschoolers with autism to function as independently as possible. Family members participate and learn to reinforce the training at home. 

Who is it for?
Children with autism and their families in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.

Why do they do it?
Autism is the fastest growing childhood developmental disability and affects a child’s ability to communicate with loved ones and interact with the world. Research suggests that early intervention provides increased structure, direction, and organization in children with autism. The center’s treatment provides important life skills and enhances the preschoolers’ ability to enter mainstream society. Before Ozark Center for Autism opened, families impacted by autism in the four-state area were forced to relocate or go without services for their children.

Impact: After its first year of service to children with autism and their families, the program is experiencing excellent outcomes, and the children are progressing in communication, learning, and social development. Thirteen are currently enrolled at Ozark Center for Autism for year-round schooling. Two children have graduated to regular kindergarten from the program, while two others have been successfully transitioned to typical pre-school programs. Some children are now speaking for the first time in their lives. Thirty-five children remain on the waiting list. 

Contact: Heather Goff
Media Coordinator
Telephone: 417-347-4606
E-mail: HJGoff@freemanhealth.com