RADFORD -- Radford University recently hosted a luncheon to thank the Scottish Rite Freemasonry and the Scottish Rite Foundation for their generous support of the annual RU RiteCare Summer Language Clinic and student scholarships.

The 2008 RU RiteCare Summer Language Clinic, held at the Waldron College of Health and Human Services, was devoted to children two to eight years of age diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. The clinic provided family-centered intervention as a means of enhancing the children’s language and literacy skills. The Scottish Rite scholarships allowed graduate students in the RU speech-language pathology program to work one-on-one with clinic participants.

Several parents and graduate students spoke of their experiences during the luncheon. For Amy Reilly, a parent who watched her son, William, flourish under the direction of the RU clinic counselors, the program was a wonderful stepping stone in her child’s development. “He has worked so hard, and it has been amazing watching the children interact with each other,” she said.

(IN THE PHOTO: Claire Waldron, chair of the RU Communication Sciences and Disorders Department, receives a check from Jim Cole of the Scottish Rite Foundation.)

Heather Edwards expressed her excitement watching the progress made by her son, Sean. “He began to make more eye contact and waved to a friend, which is a really big accomplishment for him,” she explained. “I am ready to get out there and find out what else I can do for my child.”

Ashley Jones, a second year graduate student at RU, noted the significance of each achievement made with a child. “The small, simple steps we make are the ones worth mentioning,” she said.

The 2008 clinic theme was “Communicating in Tents,” which highlighted the goal of facilitating a child’s intent, or desire, to communicate. Children engaged in such activities as setting up a camp and sleeping under a starry night sky replicated indoors using a laser star light show. Each week, participants read a book, which they kept at the conclusion of the camp. They also explored new concepts and words as they assumed various roles, such as a child chasing a frog or a frog being chased.

Diane Millar, an associate professor and director of the RU Autism Center, designed and conducted research during the clinic while Pat Rossi, clinic director, implemented necessary treatment. They collaborated to educate students and families about evidence-based intervention practices for autistic children.

The RU RiteCare Language and Research Clinic was a partnership among the RU Communication Sciences and Disorders Department, psychology and music therapy faculty members and students. Peer models, undergraduate volunteers and one adult client from the RU Speech and Hearing Clinic also participated in the event.

To learn more about assistance available to children with speech and language disorders, please contact Patricia Rossi at (540) 831-7734.