Breakwater Center for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

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Breakwater Center for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Individualized, evidence-based and neurodiversity-affirming evaluations without the wait. Request an appointment online!

20/05/2025

Medicaid saves lives. And it lets people live.
South Carolina covers just 24.6% of Medicaid costs. With waitlists over 40,000 people long, we cannot afford to go it alone.

If federal Medicaid funding is cut, thousands of disabled South Carolinians could lose the care that keeps them healthy, safe, and connected.
Just ask James.

🧠 James is a 38-year-old South Carolinian with autism and a rare genetic condition called MELAS—Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-like Episodes.

🎓 He graduated in the top 10 from Dutch Fork High and earned his degree from the University of South Carolina. He loves video games, movies, and hanging out with friends.

Today, James goes to the Babcock Center for employment support. Thanks to Medicaid, he has:
Access to critical medications
Respite services
In-home supports

These services aren’t extras—they’re essential. They keep James safe, stable, and engaged in his community. They allow him to live a life filled with purpose, connection, and independence.

🚨 But if Medicaid is cut, James would lose the care that helps manage his complex medical needs. He could lose the supports that allow him to participate in daily life outside his home.

📣 Medicaid isn’t just about healthcare—it’s about belonging. It’s about people like James having the right to live fully in their community.

📞 Tell your lawmakers: Protect Medicaid. Protect lives: https://aapd.quorum.us/campaign/111899/



[Image description for accessibility: Text over a scrapbook-style dark blue background reads, 'I am Medicaid. Meet James, USC graduate. Loves playing video games and watching movies with friends. Graduated in the top 10 of his high school class. Has autism & MELAS. Medicaid allows him to have access to needed medication and also allows him to receive respite services and in-home support. Is working towards holding a good and meaningful job through employment support.' Arrows point to text from a centered print frame photo of James, a Chinese American man, with his dad. Able SC logo at base.]

20/05/2025

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our 8-week Social Skills Program! Starting this summer on Wednesdays in June 2025, from 5:30-6:45 PM in Bluffton.

This program is specifically designed for teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder and is led by Allyson Palmer OTR/L, an occupational therapist, and Kathleen Pardue MS CCC-SLP, a speech therapist, both with years of experience and with expertise in supporting adolescents and teens on the spectrum.

Program Overview: This intensive, hands-on program will span 8 weeks, using evidence-based, neurodiversity-affirming strategies to help participants develop essential social skills in a supportive and inclusive environment. We celebrate each teen’s individuality and strive to empower them to navigate social situations with confidence.

What to Expect: Through interactive activities and real-world practice, participants will focus on building key social skills that help form meaningful connections with peers.

Some of the topics we will cover include:

â—Ź Perspective Taking: Observing oneself and others, understanding different points of view, and cultivating empathy.
â—Ź Basic & Advanced Conversation Skills: Initiating, maintaining, and ending conversations, understanding nonliteral language, and using humor and online communication effectively.
â—Ź Nonverbal Communication: Exploring personal space, body language, active listening, and tone of voice.
â—Ź Situational Awareness: Learning to read the room, adapt to new environments, and manage behaviors during mealtime.
â—Ź Problem Solving: Handling conflict, rejection, teasing, and building self-advocacy skills.
â—Ź Hygiene: Learning the importance of cleanliness, creation of hygiene schedules to promote independence, grooming, and dressing appropriately for different situations.
â—Ź Job Preparation: Practice of essential skills such as greeting others, problem solving skills, self-advocacy, and understanding professional boundaries, helping them feel confident and ready to enter future job environments.

Please fill out the google form to apply:
https://forms.gle/YT9qowCTDHD7fG1G7

11/04/2025

Announcing Camp Wonder 2025! Applications open on Friday April 11, 2025 12 PM!
www.campwonderchs.org

11/04/2025
Thankful to have spent another Saturday with  supporting Truly a blessing and honor to be able to support their communit...
29/10/2024

Thankful to have spent another Saturday with supporting

Truly a blessing and honor to be able to support their community and connect with their families. Until next time… ❤️

26/10/2024
Exciting things on the horizon for the Breakwater Center!
21/10/2024

Exciting things on the horizon for the Breakwater Center!

Some upcoming events you may be interested in…
16/10/2024

Some upcoming events you may be interested in…

Arti, our therapy-dog-in-training, might be tapped out, but we are just getting started!As we prepare for our next round...
14/10/2024

Arti, our therapy-dog-in-training, might be tapped out, but we are just getting started!

As we prepare for our next round of on-site, autism evaluations for the Lowcountry Autism Foundation, we want to share our appreciation for the opportunity to serve families who would otherwise have extreme difficulty accessing care. Our hearts are full, and we have loved getting to know this community.

Blessed to announce that our small Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Practice is now accepting self-referrals for ...
09/09/2024

Blessed to announce that our small Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Practice is now accepting self-referrals for caregiver consultations and evaluations. Please visit our website for more information, or to request an appointment.

www.breakwatercenter.org

24/08/2024

SAVE THE DATE!

Hi LAF Family & Friends! Save the date for our 4th Annual Live LAF Love at Daniel Island. We look forward to seeing everyone.

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