Comprehensive Developmental or Psychological Evaluation: These evaluations are completed by highly trained licensed clinical psychologists. The purpose of these comprehensive diagnostic evaluations is to evaluate your child’s current strengths and weaknesses across a broad range of developmental domains. This allows clinicians to evaluate whether a child meets diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorders in addition to possible accompanying conditions. The psychologist will also provide appropriate recommendations for therapeutic supports and resources.
Medical Evaluation(s): Our medical specialists evaluate, treat and coordinate care for neurodevelopmental disorders and medical conditions. A medical evaluation can include history and physical examination and screening for hearing and vision problems. This medical evaluation can be provided by our neurologist or clinical geneticist. A medication consultation may be provided.
Speech-Language Pathology: Our speech-language pathologists evaluate children with speech, language, cognitive, feeding/swallowingm and auditory impairments and provide specialized therapy to develop their language and social communication skills. We offer individual, paired-peer, and group therapy, along with community and caregiver education for those who are concerned about their child’s speech, language or communication skills.
Occupational Therapy: Our occupational therapists evaluate for sensory, motor, cognitive, social and adaptive skills and provide individualized therapy to teach sensory motor, emotional regulation, social relationship and self-advocacy skills. They can also promote feeding skills for children who have sensitivities around food and textures and who have difficulty trying new foods.
Project ImPACT and Parent-Child Developmental & Behavioral Therapy: Our behavior therapists work with parents and/or caregivers to address social communication and behavior challenges by developing goals and teaching appropriate intervention strategies. Our curriculum functions as an evidence-based parent coaching program that teaches parents to promote their child’s social-communication skills during daily routines and activities. Therapists model the strategies and provide parents with opportunities to practice these strategies and receive feedback while in the clinic. Parents are provided strategies and activities to practice at home.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Licensed clinical psychologists provide mental health treatment using a cognitive behavioral therapy approach. The child learns and practices skills in sessions, and parents support practice at home in order to promote application of skills as needed. Evidence supports using this approach with children diagnosed with autism or social communication disorders to address concerns such as coping with worries, improving emotional regulation, and building flexibility. An Individualized Mental Health Intervention (AIM HI) for children with autism spectrum disorder is an evidence-based intervention that is also incorporated by our therapists. AIM HI provides a series of tools and steps to structure sessions, and teach both children and parents skills to manage challenging behaviors.
Social Skills Groups: Licensed clinical psychologists and behavior specialists provide the opportunity for children with social communication challenges to develop and practice skills that enhance their peer and community engagement. Facilitated peer groups teach social interaction and effective reciprocal communication strategies. Coaching and practice are provided during sessions and families are given strategies to promote skills at home. Several groups are available spanning ages 4-18 years of age. Availability is subject to change based on demand.
Care Coordination: Our care coordinator works with families to coordinate services and connect them with valuable resources. They learn about your family’s unique strengths and needs in order to prioritize recommended services at Rady Children’s and throughout the community. They also support communication and partnership between the family and the child’s MDT providers.