SEPTEMBER 21, 2010
UM Autism Clinic expands services at Gables office BY MARIE GUMA-DIAZ
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he University of Miami Autism Spectrum Assessment Clinic (ASAC) in the Department of Psychology is expanding services while remaining in its Coral Gables office. In addition to offering psychoeducational evaluations, and social skills groups, ASAC recently expanded services to include individual and family therapy services for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The new services aim to improve a variety of co-existing symptoms such as anxiety and depression, as well as improve social and independence skills for individuals with ASD. Therapy services primarily use behavioral and cognitive-behavioral techniques (CBT). Treatment for co-existing symptoms is important in assisting individuals with ASD cope effectively with the challenges they face and can significantly improve their well-being. “The University of Miami Assessment Clinic is unique in that the supervising psychologists are highly trained in autism spectrum disorders, and other neurological conditions, across all ages, the latest assessment instruments, and empirically validated best practices in treatments for ASD,” said Amy Beaumont, coordinator of the Autism Spectrum Assessment Clinic. “Members of the ASAC team are actively involved in research and community outreach efforts, and being affiliated with UM-NSU CARD allows for seamless connection with CARD services for those diagnosed with ASD.” ASAC was developed in 2002 as the need for comprehensive diagnostic evaluations for children with autism and other pervasive developmental disorders
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AUTISM, on page 4
City opposes proposed changes in sharing transportation surtax
GABLES GREAT Christine Rupp unafraid to tackle challenges head on BY GLORIA BURNS
The Coral Gables Trolley program is funded by the half-penny transportation surtax. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BY MARIA HIGGINS-FALLON
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he Coral Gables City Commission on Aug. 24 unanimously approved a resolution to formally initiate conflict resolution procedures to hold Miami-Dade County to its promise that 20 percent of revenue derived from the People’s Transportation Plan, approved by voters in 2002, be limited to municipalities in existence as of Nov. 5, 2002. The county receives the remaining 80 percent of the revenue share. Miami-Dade County is now proposing that new cities created after 2002 share in the pro rata distribution of the 20 percent share currently allot-
ted to the existing cities. The City of Coral Gables objects to the proposed change because it violates an interlocal agreement in effect between the county and the city, and more importantly, because it defies the agreement reached in 2002 between the county and all of the existing cities wherein Miami-Dade County pledged to limit 20 percent of surtax revenue to existing cities in exchange for their assistance in obtaining voter support for the tax increase in 2002. The Coral Gables Trolley program is funded by the half-penny transportation surtax. The cities of Miami, Miami Beach and Hialeah also are objecting to the county’s proposed change.
Christine Rupp, is a “can do” person unafraid to tackle challenges head on with amazing results. A native of Ohio, Rupp moved to Palm Beach County in 1980. She graduated from Florida Atlantic University’s College of Design and Social Inquiry and worked as a paralegal prior to moving to Coral Gables. Upon moving to the Gables in 1993, Rupp began doing volunteer work and b e c a m e involved in the historic preservation community. With eight years of service on the Merrick H o u s e Governing Board of CHRISTINE RUPP Directors and another three years chairing Dade Heritage Trust’s Dade Heritage Days, Rupp earned the respect of her peers always going above and beyond.
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RUPP, on page 4