New facilities offer treatment for autism, other behavioral disorders

Glenwood Inc. of Birmingham, a nonprofit founded in 1974, provides treatment and other services for children and adults with autism spectrum disorder and children with severe emotional and behavioral problems.

In April, Glenwood celebrated the end of a $10 million capital campaign and the construction of a new campus in Avondale, a complement to its main campus in Liberty Park. Glenwood uses the new campus to provide such outpatient services as evaluation, diagnosis and therapy, as well as family education and social skills training.

“Our goal was to have a more accessible location for families from around the state,”  said Linda Baker, Glenwood’s chief development officer.

“We know that to help the most people, we need to be easily accessible to the most people,” said D. Lee Yount, Glenwood president and CEO.

One in 59 children born in America is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and the number of children found to have other mental health problems is increasing, according to Baker.

“The services we offer are critical to getting an early diagnosis and treatment,” she said. “Early treatment greatly improves the quality of life.”

The Avondale campus consists of three buildings near Sixth Avenue and 38th Street South that Glenwood purchased in 2017 and began renovating. There is an administration building, and the Children’s Center, named the Mallie M. Ireland Building, opened in October 2018. An outpatient services building was completed in June. 

Dr. Mary-Kate Carey built the autism treatment program in the Children’s Center, according to Baker. That program features applied behavior analysis,  an “intensive therapy that is helping children grow and learn,” Baker said.

“We also have speech therapy and occupational therapy here, so parents are pleased that they can get those services at the same time,” she said.

Avondale is a good location for Glenwood, according to Baker. There  is the ease of access for families, and there are several other nonprofits close by. “We even have some room to expand more,” Baker said.

Avondale is also perceived as an attractive area by families, according to Baker. “There are other services nearby, plus great places to eat,” she said.

Glenwood has 350 staffers and reaches about 10,000 people per year, according to the nonprofit’s website, glenwood.org.