The Kristin Farmer Autism Center at the University of North Texas has become a vital resource for families in the North Texas region, offering specialized treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder. One year ago, Amber Slaughter sought assistance from the center for her non-verbal son, who communicated primarily through screaming. Today, he is not only speaking but also singing, recognizing sea animals and dinosaurs, and working on eye contact.
The center, established in 2012 with a donation from UNT alumna Kristin Farmer, serves around 60 children annually, providing tailored programs supervised by board-certified behavior analysts. The center’s team includes nearly 60 student clinicians from UNT, who gain hands-on experience while working towards their degrees in applied behavior analysis and special education.
The center collaborates with various local educational institutions, including Texas Woman’s University and UNT’s Speech and Hearing Center, to offer a comprehensive range of services. These partnerships aim to integrate clinical interventions with educational support, emphasizing the importance of learning in natural environments like home and school.
Michael Siller, the center’s executive director, emphasized the center’s role in bridging clinical and educational interventions, aiming to support all children in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He highlighted the center’s commitment to viewing autism as part of neurodiversity, providing reassurance to parents about the future prospects for their children.
Graduate student clinician Olivia Snedigar shared her positive experience at the center, noting the valuable hands-on training and mentorship she received, which affirmed her career aspirations in play therapy for children.
The Kristin Farmer Autism Center continues to be an essential resource for children with autism and their families, providing specialized care and training the next generation of professionals in the field. Families seeking services can visit the center’s website to fill out a request form.