Early childhood mental health

Therapies

Effective early intervention can make a critical difference in a child’s potential to grow and learn. Young children who are experiencing mental health challenges might exhibit:

The Early Childhood Mental Health (ECMH) program at the Achievement Centers for Children provides supportive virtual/telehealth services and, when possible, home, community or centerbased services for children age birth to 6 who may be experiencing social, emotional or behavioral challenges or family-related stress. Our licensed clinical social workers partner with the entire family to prevent and address mental health issues. Services include collaboration with other community providers to maximize positive outcomes and ensure a holistic approach to addressing family needs.

Call 216-292-9700 for more information on our Early Childhood Mental Health program or to learn more about all the services the Achievement Centers for Children offers. achievementcenters.org

DOUG BLECHER Founder, y

Autism Personal Coach

For Doug Blecher, founder of Autism Personal Coach, it all started after college when he began working with children with autism.

“I realized that there was not a lot of support for autistic teens and adults," he says. “About 20 years ago, this group of adults were marginalized and not getting opportunities, especially as they graduated high school and became adults. It comes from seeing the lack of support for (young adults with autism).”

Currently, Autism Personal Coach serves ages 14 and older, however, people don’t have to be diagnosed with autism to receive help.

Blecher says everyone has different goals when they contact the organization. Some want to learn how to advocate for themselves, get employment, gain executive functioning skills, help develop community connections, or meet sensory needs.

“We provide customized coaching to help them be more self-sufficient and find their purpose,” he says.

He advises for parents to start transition planning when their kids are born.

“Thinking about it early (before the high school phase) helps kids find a purpose,” Blecher says, adding not to rely solely on your school district for opportunities to learn and make connections. “Find outside service providers, if necessary. Try to find those experiences in those environments to figure out what they like and don’t like.”

Belcher has a podcast, “Autism Stories,” which provides perspectives of people with autism. He is now the chair for the Nonpartisan Voter Outreach Disability Committee to help people with disabilities get involved with voting and help them deal with the upcoming challenges so they can make their voices heard.

“We always say that autistic people are the true experts of the autistic experience and it’s part of how kids can help to embrace their identity,” he says, “To me, it’s really about making sure every human has the opportunity to reach their potential.”

Listen to “Autism Stories” at anchor.fm/autismpersonal-coach or visit autismpersonalcoach.wordpress. com for more information.

Lindsey Geiss contributed to this story.