GO I N Meeting The Challenge Preschool embraces kids who require more than a traditional setting. Dr. Spivak, Dr. Blieden and Dr. Dubin F riends and supporters of Walnut Lake Preschool gathered at an informational fundraiser to hear Dr. Nick Dubin, an expert on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Walnut Lake Preschool (WLP) is the only facility of its kind in Southeast Michigan. It is designed for preschool- ers, age 3-5, who are not thriving in a traditional preschool or daycare setting. Children challenged by fam- ily situations, learning disabilities or environmental factors are given an individualized program that includes behavioral and emotional intervention services usually unavailable until first grade. Dubin understands what it's like to be a "different" child. As a youngster, he felt disconnected and was bullied for his social awkwardness. It wasn't until he was 27 that he was correctly diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, an ASD characterized by difficulties with social interaction and restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior. His personal experiences fueled his desire to become an ASD advocate. He has authored three books on living with ASD: Asperger Syndrome and Anxiety, Asperger Syndrome and Bullying and Asperger Syndrome and Employment. "The program at Walnut Lake Preschool would have been tremen- dously beneficial for me as a pre- school-aged child who was nonverbal and had many learning issues," said Dubin. "Individuals with autism and other differences have very specific needs during the first few years of life and Walnut Lake Preschool is more than equipped to handle those needs." The school was founded by two pro- fessionals who understand children with special needs, including those with ASD: Dr. Don Spivak, a board cer- tified psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, and Dr. Nancy Blieden, a child and adult psychoanalyst. "Children with ASD are often overlooked or misdiag- nosed. Meanwhile, they miss out on valuable early educational opportuni- ties," said Blieden. In 1995, Blieden and Spivak served on a special committee of mental health professionals and confirmed through research that early interven- tion is key to a child's future academic success. With a gift from a parent, WLP opened as a nonprofit organiza- tion in 2009 and currently operates out of the Corners Center, 2075 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield. Students at WLP have a teacher ratio of 7:2, combined with a staff of parents, teachers, family consultants and clinical specialists. The team cre- ates individualized learning programs that address each child's social and behavioral needs. "The children at WLP have behav- ioral and emotional problems that can- not be easily identified. Therefore, they may not qualify for district special pre- school services that would help them adapt well to a traditional preschool," said Blieden. "Our staff identifies and addresses these obstacles early, then empowers each child to succeed." Dubin's appearance was one in a series of fundraising efforts being held for WLP. The school's goal is to provide services to any child, regard- less of ability to pay. 1-1 To learn more, visit the website at walnutlakepreschool.com . G 014 NOW!! SHOP US LAST! Flitreal-X1ILS of the NEW SHERWOOD STUDIOS! • All brand new merchandise PURCHASED AT INCREDIBLE SAVINGS.. below wholesale so we can pass the savings on to you! • Furniture is so new, we bought it six months before it's available to the public! • LOWEST PRICES IN THE U.S.! • You won't see this merchandise in any store! • We purchased a showroom full of extraordinary top grain leather living rooms plus many contemporary bedrooms and dining rooms! • Hundreds of BRAND NEW ONE OF A KINDS... and when they're gone, they're gone! • High-end overstocks, plus many Sealy Posturpedic mattress sets arriving daily with absolutely incredible savings passed on to you! - s iteiworg e - - oileia f g4 1# 144 and aft the Sale! if • before**' aaine during'' LARGEST Ekornes® Gallery and LOWEST Prices in Michigan! 0 L •la i ' 7 / ' < f v /li FREE DELIVERY ON ANY PURCHASE $1000 OR MORE must present coupon • one per household prior sales excluded • offer expires 7/29/10 Fri & Sat 11-7 • Sun 12-5 • Mon 11-7 DESIGN SERVICE AVAILABLE ON Tues., Wed. & Thur. by appointment only please call 248.855.1600 Special Orders available at current prices. HE Cash, Checks and !DiscPyor c r 8•111 108 11 -1A Mi 6644 Orchard Lake Road just south of Maple West Bloomfield 248.855.1600 1609250 July 22 0 2010 45