The University of Toledo

Our Philosophy

It is the vision of The University of Toledo Center for Excellence in Autism (CFEA) to build a continuum of services and research opportunities that satisfy the dynamic needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) across the lifespan. As a provider for both the Ohio Department of Mental Health and the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, the mission of the CFEA is to improve the lives of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families. Specifically, the major goals of the CFEA are to provide;

1. Interdisciplinary education and training of current and future leaders in the field of ASD.
2. Collaborate with other service providers, advocacy organizations and institutions at the regional, state and national levels wherever possible to develop a seamless system of care coordination across the lifespan.
3. Maintain a person-centered focus for service delivery that includes consideration of the needs of families or caregivers as well.
4. Conduct, support, and coordinate research that facilitates relevant advancements in medical treatment, strengthens evidenced-based intervention practices and identifies additional areas of ; and
5. Undertake advocacy to effect legislation, regulation, and policy on behalf of the Autism community.

The mission of The University of Toledo Center for Excellence in Autism is to improve the lives of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families. Specifically, the five major goals of the Center will be to:

• Provide interdisciplinary education and training of current and future leaders in the field;
• Support initiatives for early detection and referrals by community-based primary care providers;
• Develop a seamless system of evaluation and care coordination across the lifespan including (interdisciplinary evaluation and intervention planning);
• Provide family-centered services (the provision of clinical services to meet the needs of the individuals, families, and the community);
• Conduct, support, and coordinate research that enhances the understanding of the causative factors of autism, strengthens evidenced-based intervention, and identifies secondary issues; and
• Undertake advocacy to effect legislation, regulation, and policy.