Clifton Community Partnership

Behind the Door article:
Behind the Door: Marcus Autism Center
October 28, 2009
Source: Community Partnership Update/November 2009

Part of a continuing series of articles highlighting key institutions in the Clifton Community

Don Mueller starts most of his workdays by 7:30 a.m. preparing to meet with members of his leadership team. They discuss strategic and operational topics like cooperative clinical care delivery, how to recruit post doctorates to care for children with autism and other developmental disabilities, among other things.

As executive director for Marcus Autism Center, Mueller oversees the non-profit organization located at 1920 Briarcliff Road that is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of children with autism and other developmental disabilities, treating over 4,000 children a year.

"Most of the children we see come through the Pediatric Neurodevelopmental Center and diagnosis areas; this is where we evaluate and diagnose children with autism or any other developmental disability," says Mueller. "The Marcus Autism Center sees and treats a wide spectrum of children in various stages -- from mildly autistic to those who are more severe on the spectrum that may have additional psychiatric disorders."

The Marcus Autism Center is an out-patient facility equipped and staffed to treat mild to severe developmental conditions, including: autism spectrum disorders, communication disorders, developmental delays, feeding disorders, fetal alcohol syndrome, learning disorders, self-injurious behavior, non-respiratory sleep disorders, in addition to others.

Working with the Atlanta Autism Consortium, the Center collaborates with Emory, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), University of Georgia, Georgia State and Georgia Tech and community providers to plan for additional research and clinical care activities for children with developmental disabilities. Fundraising and community outreach activities are rooted in the Center's values and help keep the organization's vision on track. For a list of upcoming events, visit www.marcus.org.

It takes an entire team to treat any developmental disability. Parental involvement is key to achieving the best outcomes. Parents are always encouraged to work with their pediatricians if they are concerned their child may have a developmental disability.

"Early intervention is the key to treating developmental disabilities," adds Mueller. "The goal for us is to identify those children who need treatment early on. The Marcus Autism Center wants to provide these children with the treatment they need. The best scenario is that we diagnose and treat a patient early so they transition out into the community and live productive lives."