HAMILTON — When Sheila Rogers' son began having behavioral problems at school six years ago, she went to agency after agency searching for a proper diagnosis.

        Unable to get the help her son needed, Mrs. Rogers turned to psychiatrists at the Children's Diagnostic Center. A couple of weeks after an assessment, the center set up a meeting to discuss the results.

        “I really commend this place for being honest with me,” said Mrs. Rogers of Fairfield. “They told me everything that was wrong with my son.” The Enquirer is not naming the boy, now 11, at his mother's request.

        The Children's Diagnostic Center is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month.

        Started by a group of Butler County citizens, the private, non-profit agency has grown in both scope and services, which include psychological, development and other specialized testing. The agency, which also serves adults, has gone from serving 75 clients a year to more than 1,300 in fiscal year 2000.

        Services include severe behavioral concerns, depression and anxiety disorders and language disorders. Executive director Mary Kay Schmeing said demand is increasing. The center also provides evaluations under a contract with the Butler County Children Services Board.

        Mrs. Rogers said her son is in therapy and doing much better in school.

        “I just think they did a great job,” she said about the Children's Diagnostic Center. “I was literally at the end of my rope with trying to find my son the proper help.”

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