Chileda to Celebrate 30 Years
April 2003

Chileda, a home, school and care center for children and young adults from across the nation who have autism and related developmental disabilities and seizure disorders, will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2003. Chileda started on June 16, 1973, with four kids, one staff member, a telephone and lots of ideas. Since then, the organization has grown to assume a leadership role in exploring the causes of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and developing effective treatment and educational programs for the clients it serves.

Many of Chileda's staff members are regularly invited to speak at local and national forums about topics related to developmental disabilities and are considered to be experts in the field of autism. Chileda has also conducted original research and has participated in carefully controlled scientific studies to uncover more information about conditions related to seizure disorders and ASD. In addition, Chileda has received national accredidation from the Council on Quality and Leadership since 1995.

Although now considered a relatively common disorder, the incidence of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder is 11 times more prevalent than 15 years ago. Don Heidel, the organization's founder and president, says that the dramatic rise in the diagnosis of autism calls for additional educational opportunities for school personnel, human service professionals and health care providers.

Heidel says that the focus of this organization has broadened from care and treatment of those with ASD to educating parents and others who are charged with managing care. One example of this growth is the Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate course, developed by Chileda and offered through the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He says the most significant trend he's seen over the past 30 years is the demand to learn more about ASD and related maladies. The reason for such interest, he says, may be due in part to the possibility of a cure.

"Not long ago, many people believed that autism was an incurable genetic condition," Heidel says. "Now that's changing. It appears that certain symptoms of autism may be caused by things that we may be able to control such as the person's environment, deficiencies and communication challenges.

Through the use of clear and concise individualized assessment we apply a "spectrum" of treatment modalities such as sensory integration techniques, assistive technology, environmental modification and regulation of body systems. We then continuously evaluate these for effectiveness and results."

"Some of the lessons we are learning at Chileda are going to help lead to a cure, I really believe it," Heidel said.