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Autism Resource Center to open at West Chester University

West Chester University will celebrate the opening of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Autism Resource Center (SPARC) on campus on Jan. 17. .

The center, located on the fourth floor of West Chester's Mitchell Hall on South Church Street, will offer services ranging from diagnosis, assessment and therapy starting in young children, to life skills and vocational training for young adults afflicted with autism.

Autism affects an estimated 1.5 million Americans and their families, according to the Autism Society of America.SPARC was established by behavioral psychologists PhillipDuncan and Jennifer Dawson. Duncan is chair of West Chester's psychology department, and Dawson is a 1995 West Chester graduate.

The ribbon-cutting and reception, with student-led tours of SPARC, will take place at Mitchell Hall, 675 S. Church St., from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the 17th and is open to the public.

   Will Hobson