ATLANTA (AP)- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta will open a
$17.6 million autism center, with support coming from the hospital's endowment, government funds and private donors, including Home Depot cofounder Bernie Marcus.

The Marcus Autism Center is expected to open in August. It will occupy a 90,000-square-foot building in northeast Atlanta.

Officials say they expect it to serve 4,400 patients a year.

Children's Healthcare plans to collaborate with Emory University, Georgia Tech and other organizations that serve children with autism.

Children's CEO Donna Hyland said the incidence of autism is above average in Georgia and affects one in 136 children.

Services will include programs designed to diagnose, treat and provide support for children with autism.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)