New autism clinic helps families

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability and as a result, getting services can be challenging.

Now there is a one stop shop type clinic in Albuquerque that is making it easier on families and therapists to find each other.

Stimulating Minds allows families and caregivers to come to one location to get services ranging from speech and occupational therapy to support and play groups.

On Wednesday Shelton Foust, 9, and his mom, Deona Foust, quietly played with a puzzle. Deona says she usually has to run all over town to get Shelton to his therapy sessions, but now he can come to Stimulating Minds and meet with all his therapists.

Deona says it keeps him calmer and the therapists work together.

Director and co-founder Jeanne Duggins says many families are also waiting on services. She got a call on Wednesday from a mother with a 2-year-old child who said she has been waiting four months for speech therapy. Duggins' clinic can take the toddler now.

The clinic isn't just for kids. There's no cure for autism, and it's estimated as many as one in 100 adults have the disorder as well.

Skills taught here teach real life skills. Shelton took his little shopping cart to a play store and selected items. It feels like fun to Shelton, but it's helping him make choices for the day he will go to the grocery store as a grownup.

The clinic has six therapists now and could eventually handle up to 300 clients.

Stimulating Minds opens its doors Thursday for an open house from 4:30-6 p.m. The address is 6100 Seagull St. NE.