Sandy Slomin is the founder and driving force behind The Slomin Family Center, which will offer a wide range of clinical, educational, and recreational services for children with autism and their families. The center is scheduled to open this summer in Florida. For more, visit the Center's Web site.

Why has helping children with autism become so important to you?

Because the numbers are so scary. One of 88 children born are diagnosed with autism, and that number is up 23 percent since the last figures were given out a couple of years ago. It used to be when your child was born you just hoped they had 10 fingers and 10 toes. Now parents have the added worry of autism, which may not even be apparent upon birth.

In what ways will the Slomin Center help children and their families with autism?

The Slomin Family Center is a full-service center with a wide range of clinical, educational, and recreational services housed in a serene and calming environment. We will serve the needs of individuals diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder from birth to 22, their siblings and their families.

The Psychological Services Department will have a diagnostic clinic, individual and family therapy, and a wide range of social skills, psychoeducation and support groups for the individual diagnosed as well as the entire family. In addition, rehab services including speech and language pathology, applied behavior analysis, occupational and physical therapy will be offered.

Our education program will include a preschool and tutorial services for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder as well as their typically developing siblings. Program services will include music and art therapy, and a wide range of recreational services in our gymnasium and outdoor fields. Adolescent support services will be offered through life skills groups in the evenings and on the weekends. In addition, we will be the home to a large, state-of-the-art aquatic center. This facility is designed for swimming lessons, family recreational use, as well as the hopes to one day host the Special Olympics. The Slomin Family Center will house a large party room for children and families touched by an autism spectrum disorder. This will enable our families to celebrate important life events in an autism-friendly environment. Our goal is to help ease the stress in the lives of these families by providing our services in one central location where the entire family can receive services.

What are some of the most important things children with autism need?

That is a very difficult question to answer because each child with autism has very different needs and may require a variety of interventions. Because autism is a spectrum disorder, some individuals may require more services than others. Here at the Slomin Family Center, we hope to meet the needs of all individuals diagnosed in addition to their siblings and families.

Do you think that the families of children with autism get overlooked sometimes in terms of the support they need?

Absolutely. Autism is a diagnosis, not a disease. People are quick to look at a child acting out and think that they’re spoiled or the parents aren’t instilling discipline. In other words, parents can sometimes pay a penalty for having a child on the autism spectrum. Here at the Slomin Family Center, our goal is to treat the entire family, not just the child who has been diagnosed. In some cases, siblings of individuals diagnosed get overlooked or take second place to their brother or sister. They give up a lot and they need to know they are not alone. The center will strive to create an environment of warmth and acceptance where families can interact with others sharing similar circumstances and experiences.

What does Ohio State mean to you?

First and foremost, it’s my alma mater and I am very proud of it as a learning institution. For me, it means a number of things. It means Archie Griffin, the greatest Buckeye. And as I’ve found out as the years have progressed, it is family and it’s always there for you. Help is always there for me and I never dreamed that would be possible.

What advice would you give to a current student?

Open your heart and mind to everything that Ohio State has to offer. You don’t have to change who you are because Ohio State has a place for everyone.

What was your most memorable moment at Ohio State?

Most memorable moment—meeting Archie Griffin for the first time. He is my role model for everything I do in life. To have a friendship with Archie is truly a gift.

Second to Archie, receiving the 2010 Barbie Tootle Buckeye Spirit Award from Varsity O was very special. Walking through the band ramp onto the field with my family and friends brought me to tears.

Who was one of your favorite faculty members?

Yes. It was Dr. Nancy Clatworthy in the Department of Sociology. She taught a marriage course and I remember her last words to us on the final day of the class, “Marriage is like a garden, it needs to be watered every day.”

What was your favorite campus hangout and why?

Canfield Hall. That was my dorm back when it was all female. That is where I met all of my wonderful friends.