Norton Healthcare has repurposed the building to house a new autism center, orthopedic, primary care, and ophthalmology offices.
Norton Children’s Medical Group–Hikes Point replaces Norton Children’s Medical Group–Dupont in St. Matthews.
The $16 million project aims to make health care more accessible and convenient to families.
For David Williams, the opening of Norton Healthcare’s Hikes Points campus is a heartfelt celebration. “This facility will provide hope to so many families just like they provided for me,” said Williams. Williams is the father of Oaks, a 7-year-old nonverbal boy who lives with autism. Oaks has been receiving services from Norton Healthcare’s autism program since age 4.
Williams says it gave his son a voice and taught his family how to hear it. “I wouldn’t have a son that I understand as being my son. He wouldn’t be able to communicate and wouldn’t be able to even actually feel like a part of this world. I wouldn’t be able to feel like I’m part of his world,” said Williams.
The 13-thousand-square-foot autism center features state-of-the-art equipment and technology, including a gym, simulation studio apartment and group therapy rooms. It will provide multidisciplinary, family-centered care for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
The new autism center replaces the previous center on Eastern Parkway. Norton Healthcare says choosing the central location was intentional. “Specifically, when you look at autism, it’s one of the things that patients come from all over the state and really being close to the major interstates is going to be important, especially when folks come into the community and so we think it’s going to offer a really good opportunity for growth and just taking a great care of kids,” said Norton Healthcare Chief Medical Officer Dr. Steven Hester.
Jackie Crawford says her 15-year-old daughter, Ava, is more social and independent since starting treatment at the center six years ago. “My goal was to make sure that this child can grow up to be an adult and live independently and happy and flourish and not live a lonely life if she didn’t have the social skills that she’s developed while she’s been here,” said Crawford.
She is thankful that her daughter will continue to receive care at the new center while she receives hope and support.
“We couldn’t do it without them. I mean, it’s meant everything to us. There’s really there’s no word. It’s so beneficial and I just hope that others can get in and get the help that they’re sorely seeking at this point.”
A donation to the Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation funded a facility dog that will provide comfort for patients with autism syndrome disorder and their families.