Southcoast Autism Center, an intensive Applied Behavior Analysis center for children and families affected by Autism, hosted an Open House recently attended by local and state officials who turned out to congratulate the owner and team on their new location.

Dr. Sinead Petersen, fourth from left, who is the owner and Executive Director of Southcoast Autism Center, is greeted by officials on the opening of their Fall River location, which marks the second location in Southeastern Massachusetts for Southcoast Autism. Shown with Dr. Petersen are, left to right, Nicole Piona, Director of Clinical Services, Erik Petersen, State Senator Michael Rodrigues, State Representative Carole Fiola, who is shown presenting a commendation from the legislature to Dr. Petersen. Also shown are State Representative Alan Silvia, State Representative Paul Schmid, Fall River City Councilor Steven Camara, and Donna Newton-McCarthy, Social Skills Coordinator.

Fall River Mayor Jasiel F. Correira, Massachusetts State Senator Michael Rodrigues, and Massachusetts State Representatives Carol Fiola, Paul Schmid, and Alan Silvia attended the Open House and ribbon-cutting. Representative Fiola presented an official commendation to Executive Director Dr. Sinead Petersen from the legislature, congratulating the facility on its second location. The Mayor and state officials were joined by Fall River City Councilor Steven Camara and School Committee member Paul Coogan.

Fall River Mayor Jasiel F. Correira and a few helpers prepare for the ribbon-cutting to commemorate the opening of the Southcoast Autism Center in Fall River. Shown with Mayor Correira are Dillon and Sophie, and Matthew is behind Dillon. Shown also in background is Dr. Sinead Petersen, Executive Director of Southcoast Autism Center.

Dr. Sinead Petersen, owner and Executive Director of the Center, welcomed the officials to their Center, located at 657 Quarry Street, Tower Mills in Fall River. Southcoast Autism Center has been serving the needs of families in the Southcoast Region since 2013; the additional location, she said, is in response to inquiries from the Fall River area for the types of early intervention and treatment services that their Center offers.

Southcoast Autism Center is recognized as a leader in successful, early intervention treatments that give children a significant advantage as they enter public or private schools. Treatments can begin as early as 18 months, and Southcoast Autism Center uses the ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) process of systematically applying interventions based upon the principles of learning theory to improve socially significant behaviors.

Southcoast Autism Center specializes in helping both verbal and non-verbal children who have been diagnosed with Autism. Their family-friendly, warm, personal environment provides one-on-one work with the region’s leading highly-skilled therapists, and is the only center in the area which focuses on early intensive treatment. The treatment programs of Southcoast Autism Center provide great advantages for children as they approach school age.

Dr. Petersen said, “We are delighted to be here in Fall River and are grateful to the officials who took the time out of their busy schedules to see our facility and wish us well.”

Southcoast Autism Center also operates at 69 Main Street, Fairhaven, MA, which will continue to serve families in the Fairhaven-Dartmouth-New Bedford region.

Fall River Mayor Jasiel F. Correira congratulates Dr. Sinead Petersen (right), Executive Director of Southcoast Autism Center, and her husband Erik Petersen (far left) on the opening of their new location.

About Southcoast Autism Center

Southcoast Autism Center specializes in compassionate, highly-skilled early intervention treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder of children from ages 18 months to 6 years. Experienced and highly-trained therapists assist children and families of children with Autism, providing support for both verbal and non-verbal children. Programs include Foundations, which provides intensive, 1 on 1 ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy for non-verbal children in a nurturing environment, teaching them the value of communication; and Connections, which teaches children how to make and keep friends as well as how to participate in a classroom setting. Additionally, the Center serves youth from ages 6 to 18 in its Social Skills Groups. Students enrolled in the daytime programs can stay with the Center until the age of 6, at which time the Center helps the child and family transition into the public/private school setting. Many insurance plans provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Southcoast Autism Center Founder and Executive Director Sinead Petersen earned her doctoral degree from Simmons College and has more than twenty years’ experience working with children with Autism and other developmental disorders. Prior to founding Southcoast Autism Center, she served as clinical director for a private school serving children with Autism. She has created and led several public school Autism programs. Dr. Petersen’s experience also includes working as a school and home-based behavioral therapist, designing training protocols for ABA therapists and supervisors, and consulting with families and schools. Her specializations include verbal behavior and parent training. Dr. Petersen leads a team of 20 therapists and support professionals at Southcoast Autism Center. For additional information, or to request a tour of their facility, please call 508.997.1311 or email info@scautismcenter.com. The Center’s website is www.southcoastautismcenter.com.