An Evening of Hope VII Supports Scott Center for Autism

BELOW VIDEO: To help parents with the challenges of an autistic child, Ed and Cheryl Scott  funded the creation of the Scott Center for Autism Treatment, a state-of-the-art research and treatment facility located on the campus of Florida Institute of Technology.

Held Saturday Evening At the Spectacular Florida Institute of Technology Aquatic Center

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – One of the Space Coast’s most anticipated events, the Scott Center for Autism Treatment’s annual fundraiser, An Evening of Hope VII: Night of Wishes, was held Saturday evening at the spectacular Florida Tech Aquatic Center.

The message of hope was prevalent throughout the elegant evening for the more than 200 guests that gathered for the South Beach Chic-themed event around the crystal blue swimming pools of the Florida Tech Aquatic Center.

The annual gala helps support Florida Tech’s Scott Center and raises critical scholarship and subsidy funds.

The event featured food from Florida Tech Catering, beer from Florida Beer Company and entertainment by Derek and the Slammers.

The Scott Center for Autism Treatment is a not-for-profit health care clinic formed in 2009 that has helped over 160 families learn to overcome many of the behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

The clinic is dedicated to applying research and high quality treatment and training to improve the function and quality of life of children with ASD and related disabilities in Central Florida.

“Never give up hope,” said Ed Scott, benefactor of The Scott Center For Autism.

“When our son was diagnosed with Autism at a young age we were devastated, but today he is a successful college graduate living in Tokyo and holding a good job.”

ABOVE VIDEO: The Scott Center for Autism Treatment at the Florida Institute of Technology was dedicated on October 27, 2009. Ed and Cheryl Scott spoke at this event where they expressed appreciation for the support of Florida Tech and Congressman Dave Weldon.

At the Scott Center for Autism Treatment, ongoing research and outreach to the community continue to set it apart as a unique and important fixture in the lives of many Central Florida families.

The Scott Center’s location on Florida Tech’s campus allows it to serve the community and perform more dynamically than if it were a stand-alone business, said Colleen Middlebrooks, community relations director.

“This site is a practicum site for grad students,” said Middlebrooks.

“It’s a training ground for future therapists as well as parents. Training is one of the Scott Center’s top goals.

“We study behaviors related to the ASD and the best practices related to treating these behaviors,” Middlebrooks said.

The Scott Center’s mission statement stresses Service, Research and Training.

“The clinic is dedicated to applying research and high quality treatment and training to improve the function and quality of life of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and related disabilities in Central Florida,” according to the center’s website.

One of the main issues that the Scott Center works with researching and treating is the concept of Applied Behavioral Analysis in the treatment of Severe Behavior Problems.

While individuals with forms of autism may suffer from Severe Behavior Problems, the term can apply to anyone, even those not on the ASD spectrum.

The goal of the severe behavior clinic is “using treatments to slow down and ultimately stop the severe behavior,” said Middlebrooks.

Autism is treatable with the most success when diagnosed at an early age. Most children at the Scott Center begin treatment at as young as 2 or 3 years.

However, treatment is very time-consuming per-child.

“Kids who come for early intervention might even come for three hours a day, five days a week for up to three years,” Middlebrooks said.

Because of the one-to-one treatment that children receive, the waiting list for the Scott Center is lengthy.

With children at the Center for such a duration of time, it’s being optimistic and persevering within the program that makes all the difference, said Evelyn Sprinkle, a specialist who works directly with children in the program.

“You learn to appreciate small gains,” said Sprinkle.

“They will add up over time, and it’s one of the most reinforcing things ever. It’s so wonderful to see progress that’s made.”

Sprinkle believes that the Scott Center truly makes a difference in the local area.

“The work that is done here and the contribution for the community and the individuals is just off the charts awesome,” she said.

The Scott Center is the only autism research and treatment center of its kind in the local area, which means it serves Brevard County and now most of Central Florida in the Indian River County, thanks to a smaller, satellite office which opened there.

In addition to Saturday evening’s “Evening of Hope,” The Scott Center works to be involved with the community in many ways, including 5k runs hosted by the Scott Center Running Club.

“This is a wonderful event and we are proud to support it,” said Dr. Kanti Bhalani, Founder of the Doctors Goodwill Foundation.

“It is truly amazing that there are so many generous and giving people here in our Brevard county. We are truly blessed here on the Space Coast.”

Dr. Ashish Udeshi of Florida Pain, also enjoyed the festivities.

“I have not been here for many years and the campus here is magnificent,” said Udeshi.

“I think that it’s wonderful that The Scott Center For Autism is here on the beautiful Florida Tech campus.”

The Scott Center for Autism Treatment is located at 150 W. University Boulevard in Melbourne, Florida.  For more information call 321-674-8106 or log on TheScottCenter.org

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