Autism Assessments

Comprehensive evaluations for children, beginning as early as 18 months of age, who display characteristics suggesting an autism spectrum disorder.  For most children, the assessment will consist of three sessions.



 

 

 

bullet An intake interview with parents bullet Testing and observation using evaluation techniques specifically designed for your child’s age.  The assessment may include several professionals from various areas of expertise including psychologists, psychiatrists, clinicians, and a speech pathologist bullet A complete report to the parents including results of the assessment, recommendations and referrals. bullet Cost: $1,200 for children 18 months to 6 years of age bullet Cost: $1,500 for children 7 years of age and older bullet Location: 4950 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77007

 Autism Information Series

Educational programs offered for parents of children recently diagnosed with autism.  They are held monthly on the third Thursday of each month. 

bullet Autism 101: 9/17/09 bullet Presenter: Lou Ann Mock, Ph.D. bullet This presentation covers the basics of diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder, including common co-occurring disorders and misdiagnoses children often receive. The importance of early intervention and the different needs of children who are high and low functioning will be addressed bullet Impact on Families: 10/15/09 bullet Presenter: Carol Barrett, LMFT, LPC, LSSP bullet Having a child with Autism affects relationships in the family.  This presentation will focus on the grieving process and supports families can provide for each other bullet Communication and Language: 11/19/09 bullet Presenter: Julie Smith, M.A., SLP bullet This presentation focuses on what supports are needed for children with autism who are non-verbal, are beginning to communicate, or have difficulties with social language bullet Structuring your child’s life at home: 12/17/09 bullet Presenter: Rachel Halpern, M.Ed., BCBA bullet This presentation will present ideas to parents of children with autism, on how to adapt their homes for their children through developing routines, re-arranging the environment, and tips on building more successful interactions bullet Advocating for you child at school: 1/21/10 bullet Presenter: Carol Barrett, LMFT, LPC, LSSP bullet It is sometimes difficult for parents of children identified with autism to navigate the school system with ARDS, services, and programs.  This session attempts to help you understand your rights as a parent of a child with a disability and provide you with tools to enter into conversations with your child’s teachers and the ARD committee bullet Treatment and Interventions: 2/18/10 bullet Presenter: Rachel Halpern, M.Ed., BCBA bullet Everyday, parents must face the challenge of determining which treatment or intervention best meets the needs of their child with autism along with the rest of the family.  This presentation will outline six evidence-based treatments and practices that have been proven effective when working with individuals with autism. bullet Managing your child’s behavior: 3/18/10 bullet Presenter: Rachel Halpern, M.Ed., BCBA bullet Challenging behaviors are one of the biggest stressors of parents with children with autism.  This presentation will touch on why specific behaviors occur, how to prevent them from happening in the future, and what to do if they reoccur bullet Current concepts in pharmacotherapy interventions for children with autism: 4/15/10 bullet Presenter: Alice Mao, M.D. bullet This presentation will review the symptoms of Autism that may be ameliorated by medication treatment. These can include stereotypy, repetitive behaviors, anxiety, mood instability and self injurious behaviors. The classes of medication that have been studied in National Institute of Mental Health Clinical trials will be reviewed and risks and benefits of each treatment will be discussed. Target audience: Parents of children with autism who are considering pharmacotherapy intervention for their child bullet Time: 5:00pm-6:30pm bullet Cost: $20 per individual per session; $15 for each additional person bullet Location: 4950 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77007

 Social Thinking Academy

A group therapy approach to teaching children, with high-functioning autism and Asperger’s Syndrome, the necessary social skill to navigate through everyday social situations.  These groups are based on Michelle Garcia Winner’s Think Social! curriculum. 

bullet For children ages 5-7, 8-10, 11-13, and ages 14+ bullet Time: Every Thursday, September 17th- December 17th, 5:00pm-6:30pm bullet Cost: $20 per individual per session; $15 for each additional person bullet Location: 4950 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77007

Family Talks

A series of support groups provided for families who have children identified with autism

bullet Time: bullet Parents: The 1st Thursday, October 1st- December 3rd, 5:00pm-6:30pm bullet Siblings: The 1st and 3rd Thursday, September 17th- December 17th, 5:00pm-6:30pm bullet Cost:  $20 per individual per session; $15 for each additional person bullet Location: 4950 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77007

 Additional Services

bullet Psychiatric services bullet Medication management bullet Individual counseling bullet Family counseling bullet Advocacy to schools  bullet Home-based consulting bullet School-based consulting

 

For more information regarding fees and registration, please contact Rachel Halpern at rhalpern@depelchin.org.