Eden CEO Testifies on Autism in Washington, DC

Princeton, NJ, June 04, 2011 --(PR.com)-- On May 31, 2011, Dr. Tom McCool, President & CEO of Eden Autism Services, a nationally acclaimed organization specializing in educating children and adults with autism as well as providing workshops and training for families and professionals, testified before the subcommittee on Africa, Global Health and Human Rights hearing entitled “Global Perspectives on Autism – A Growing Public Health Crisis.”

Led by Committee Chair, Representative Chris Smith of New Jersey’s 4th District, the hearing included testimony from domestic and international officials who seek to bring to light the dire need for improvement of autism services globally.

Smith called autism a “developmental disability pandemic.” He stated that the Centers for Disease Control estimates that close to 1% of the United States population is affected by autism and that according to Autism Speaks, 1% of the world population, which is 67 million people, are affected by some form of autism spectrum disorder. “Autism is under recognized, under appreciated in its impact, and under resourced,” according to Smith.

McCool’s testimony focused upon the breadth and depth of services that Eden Autism Services provides to individuals with autism, their families and professionals. He noted that over the past 36 years, Eden has gained a great deal of knowledge and experience in addressing the needs of children, adults and families affected by autism. He acknowledged the work that has been done by Autism Speaks and Autism Society of America and stated, “all of us in the autism community realize there is a lot to be done and we each have a role to play.”

Globally, the role Eden plays is in treatment methodology. Eden has worked with direct service providers and families across the country and around the world, including Africa where Eden has provided family and staff training as well as the Eden curriculum.

Eden’s autism specific curriculum reflects the collective experience of Eden faculty with more than three decades of knowledge. It is used across the United States and in several other countries. Eden’s teaching techniques are based in the principles of ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis), a science devoted to understanding and improving human behavior. “Our goal is to share the knowledge and experience Eden has developed to improve the quality of life of children, adults, and families impacted by autism. The information is available; the technology is available,” says McCool.

McCool spoke of Eden’s newest corroboration with edWeb.net, a professional social network for the education community. Eden currently has two autism related communities on this social networking site, which allows educators all over the world to share ideas, questions and information about autism. Additionally, Eden conducts a series of webinars through edWeb and offers in-person and online training. Through the many channels available, Eden has the ability and the fortitude to make a significant difference in the lives of those affected with autism at home and around the world.

Eden Autism Services provides early intervention, education, employment training and residential services for children and adults with autism. Eden offers both in-person and online support and training programs for families and professionals. Headquartered in Princeton, NJ, Eden is a national center of excellence, which was founded in 1975. Eden's services extend throughout the United States with operations in Southwest Florida. For more information about Eden visit www.edenservices.org or call (609) 987-0099. Follow Eden on Facebook and Twitter.

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