Page 2 Eve The Lion’s Eye on Campus April 13, 2010 Melmark Representative Encourages Brandywine Students to Pursue Field at his Organization By Martina Delgado - Lion’s Eye Staff Writer - mdd5136@psu.edu On Tuesday, April 6, George P. Linke, Jr., doctor of Psychol- ogy, came to speak to Penn State Brandywine’s HDFS majors about autism. He also asked them to consider the possibility of working in an autistic-related field as a possible career. According to his presentation, cases of the disorder are common and “in the U.S. autism is diagnosed in 1 out of 150 children. The U.S. Surgeon General lists Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) as the most effective treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).” Dr. Linke explained that as a behavioral analyst one must iden- tify the variables in an autistic child’s environment to enable the under- standing, and prevention of, undesirable behaviors in the child. Al- though the emphasis of this particular discussion was upon autism, this career involves working also with children who have other behavioral disorders. An analyst must work with children in multiple environ- ments so as to better understand the reason for their behavior. Linke explains that environments such as public schools and the workplace are environments analyst take into consideration. Some children with disabilities have difficulty expressing emotions and feelings appropriately, so they pick other, less desirable, behaviors to express themselves. Linke remarked that for this reason all children at Melmark are given Individual Education Plans (IEP). Analysts at Melmark record data daily from the children’s behavior in order to enhance their IEP and improve functions in the following cat- egories: reading, academics, social skills, communications, and adap- tive living skills. : Melmark currently helps disabled young adults find careers and live normal lives just as any ordinary individual. Autistic children, un- der the watchful eye of ABA, have shown progress and families have commented that their children are more communicative and manage- able at home. At the end of the presentation, HDFS majors interested in steering their careers in the direction of services for autistic children were encouraged to inquire about positions at Melmark. Autism is an increasingly relevant issue in the United States, and because there is no cure or effective preventative measures for autism, younger, enthusias- tic, educated individuals who are ready to take the daily challenge of ASD are being called upon. Those interested in finding a position with Melmark can find more information at www.melmark.org/careers/. “A Night With The Pride” is Great Success On the evening of March 5 at the Austin’s Room in Booth- wyn, PA Penn State Brandywine Faculty and Staff Capital Campaign Committiee organized “A Night With The Pride,” a fun and lively Beef and Beverage to support Tiz Griffith Athletic Development Fund. The event, co-sponsored by the Brandywine Constituent Soci- ety, raised over $3000 in both admission costs and silent bids. Tiz Griffith, Penn State Brandywine’s former Athletic Direc- tor, started the Tiz Griffith Athletic Development Fund in order to supplement the budgets of the campus’ sports programs, allowing the purchase of new uniforms and training equipment. The Beef and Beverage attracted over 120 people, including past athletes and coaches, many of whom were interested in winning some of the ex- cellent prizes, including a John Cappelleti autographed football and jersey, and a four-day, three-night stay at an Avalon, NJ beachfront home. | Clearly a success, many are already anticipating next year’s Beef and Beverage, scheduled for February 2011. Imm Hapeto Pat H. Jillen and Joni Zosh wait in happy. anticipation to hear the name of the door-prize w win- ner. Photo by Karrie Bowen. T he Beef and Beverage was a night of. fun and gratitude. | Left, Dr. Jennifer Zosh, HDF, and Dr. Matthew Shupp, Director of Academic Affairs, announce a door-prize winner. Right, Tiz Griffith, a former Penn State Brandwyine Athlet- ic Director, takes a minute to thank those in attendance for their participation in enhanc- ing the sports programs on campus.
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