Hamden clinic set to revolutionize autism, special needs world

Nov. 17--HAMDEN -- Life just got better for children and adults on the autism spectrum, and for those who have other intellectual/developmental disabilities.

And for their families, too.

Clifford Beers Clinic, based in New Haven, cut the ribbon Thursday on its new Marne Street Clinic in Hamden, where families can get a comprehensive array of services -- evaluations, therapies, medical treatment, support groups and help navigating the complex web of resources available for those with special needs.

"We realized that many families were spending full days driving great distances to appointments with multiple providers, which often is a social, psychological and financial burden to the family," said Alice M. Forrester, chief executive officer of Clifford Beers Clinic. "With Marne Street, we wanted families to be able to get many of their needs met in one visit, including connecting with and finding support from people dealing with similar problems."

Five years in the making, the new clinic is ready for business in Hamden at 41 Marne St., but will serve all of Connecticut.

The ribbon-cutting was attended by dozens of other dignitaries and clinical specialists, but their combined passion for the place couldn't outshine that one woman, whose son, Michael, 13, has autism and many other diagnoses.

"It's something we need as parents," said Cheryl D'Argento of North Branford, letting out a big sigh.

D'Argento said she found new hope for her son at Clifford Beers Clinic, where "they don't treat you like a patient, but more like a family member or friend," and the new clinic with so many services will make it all the better. She said the clinic also helps those it serves by educating parents and reassuring them they are the most important advocate for their loved one.

Driving to various places for services -- such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech, psychiatry, counseling, support groups -- can take a toll not only parents, but on the affected person, as well, because many, like Michael, don't adjust well to change in scenery or last-minute surprises, D'Argento said.

Michele Dwyer of East Haven, who works in accounting at Clifford Beers Clinic's business office, attended the event as an interested parent with her son, Brian, 15, who is high-functioning and on the autism spectrum, attending Woodhouse Academy High School in Milford.

Dwyer said Brian, who has anxiety, was hesitant to go in at first, but loved the atmosphere once inside, especially a sensory room where it's dark with soothing light sources.

Dwyer said she drives Brian all over the map for services and even if he keeps those providers, she's "excited" to tell friends who have special needs children about all the new clinic offers.

"This is fantastic," she said. Dwyer said it "makes me very happy" to contribute to the effort even if it's through working the business office.

The new clinic also will provide family and sibling support groups.

Forrester said the autism and intellectually/developmentally disabled population is "a very special" one with low sensory needs, therefore the colors and other parts of the environment at the new offices were carefully chosen.

"We are cutting some new ground," Forrester said of the Marne Street Clinic.

State Department of Social Services Commissioner Rod Bremby said the clinic's opening is a "huge" boon to a population in need of services and the treatments will be "cutting edge."

Hamden Mayor Curt Leng, New Haven Mayor Toni N. Harp and North Haven First Selectman Michael Freda attended the ribbon-cutting Thursday, as did state Senate Democratic President Martin M. Looney.

Leng said he was struck by the large crowd at the ribbon-cutting, was glad Clifford Beers Clinic chose Hamden as the place to expand its footprint and commended them for their "amazing work" in the field.

Forrester introduced Harp as being a forever advocate of Clifford Beers, going back to her days as a state senator.

Harp said it was a thrill to see Clifford Beers fill that gap for those with autism and intellectual disabilities, many of whom felt they had nowhere to go.

Dr. Pieter Joost van Wattum, chief medical officer at Clifford Beers Clinic, said the goal of the new clinic is to provide all-inclusive care so that quality of life will improve for everyone involved.

"Families who care for a relative with a developmental disability often feel isolated," van Wattum said. "It's a type of isolation that affects the individual as well as his or her caregivers. What we're doing really addresses that."

Plans are underway to add additional services including applied behavior analysis, occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy and nutrition support, as well as in-home care coordination, clinic officials said.

D'Argento said she has seen a huge difference in Michael's behavior since starting treatment in New Haven.

"It's unbelievable," said D'Argento. "I'm just so happy and relieved that he's getting what he needs."

Forrester said: "At the heart of what we do is a drive to find solutions to people's problems."

To learn more about services visit: visit www.cliffordbeers.org, email marnestreet@cliffordbeers.org or call 203 691-9383.

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