Autism Spectrum Services
Definition of Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome
Autism is a neurodevelopment disorder that affects an individual throughout his or her lifetime. It is considered a “spectrum” disorder because individuals can have it to a minimal degree (often called Asperger’s Syndrome or High Functioning Autism), or to a maximum degree (with no speech, and many stereotypic behaviors). Autism affects one in every 130 people! Autism affects people’s social and communication skills. These individuals have trouble making and keeping friends, they do not understand social codes of conduct (they might say “I hate this” when they get a gift), have trouble “reading” social cues, are often quite literal, often have sensory issues, can be “obsessive” and/or rigid, and have trouble initiating/maintaining conversations. Autism is not a temporary problem. It has profound impacts on individuals, and the earlier it is diagnosed the better. Early intervention has been a proven strategy. Autism spectrum disorders must be diagnosed by a specialist.
Evaluations
In order to determine if your child has an autism spectrum disorder, he/she should be evaluated by a specialist. The best specialists are child psychologists, developmental pediatricians, and some school psychologists. Our evaluations are conducted by licensed psychologists. We can diagnose a child as young as 2 years old, and also conduct evaluations for adults. We use research-based techniques, including the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). We will not be able to diagnose your child with a short interview, and you are cautioned not to believe a clinician who does this. Proper evaluations require a trained specialist. Unfortunately, insurance companies refuse to pay for all aspects of an evaluation, usually paying for about 1/4 to 1/3 of the cost. Insurance is taken, however, from many companies for therapy/counseling/group sessions.
Procedures
We use the following procedures to evaluate whether or not your child has an autism spectrum disorder:
Parent Interview: This will be the first appointment, and will last 90-150 minutes. We will ask about your child’s developmental history and current functioning. We ask you to leave your children at home for this session.
Observation: If possible, we will observe your child in a setting with other children. This is most often at school/pre-school/camp. But sometimes it is at your home during a play date. We must be able to see how your child interacts with other children. During this visit, we will interview your child’s teacher.
Clinic-based procedures: We will schedule at least two visits to our clinic, often on weekend mornings. During these visits we will do a number of assessments which may include: ADOS, parent-child activity, facial recognition test, brief intelligence test, school-readiness assessment, child interview/diagnostic play, and language measures.
Rating Scales/Questionnaires: We ask caregivers and teachers to complete a number of questionnaires that help in the diagnosis.
When we are finished, you will meet with us and receive a written report with many recommendations for home and school.
Family Counseling
We provide family counseling to families that have an individual with symptoms on the autism spectrum. We educate families on what to expect, and the nature of the disorder. If necessary, we initially address behavior concerns through behavior modification techniques. We also train families on how to use relationship-based strategies, such as Stanley Greenspan’s Floor Time approach, and Steven Gutstein’s Relationship Development Intervention (RDI). We focus on developing social referencing skills, and then specific social skills. We also train parents on how to use innovative techniques such as social stories, visual strategies, schedules, and how to teach social skills. For younger children/toddlers, be prepared to get on the floor with us and learn how to use these techniques.
Individual Counseling
We offer individual counseling services for school-aged children, adolescents, and adults. These sessions often focus on specific social skills instruction, but also often concern specific school/peer issues.
Children’s Social Skills Groups
Our social skills groups are very popular. We started them in 2001, with one therapist and six children. We now serve 75 individuals 3-18 years of age every week. All groups take place at the Gloria Dei Church in Huntingdon Valley. They last one hour. Children and youth are grouped by age and level of functioning. All referrals require an initial intake session (45 minutes), and we will let you know if your child is eligible for a group. We only place individuals into a group if we feel there is a high likelihood that they will become friends with at least one other member. Our groups start three times each year, in late September, February, and June.
Our model is simple: We work on social interaction skills. We often do activities that focus on social referencing skills and reading social cues. At times there is direct instruction on new social skills (that are crafted for the developmental level of the members). There are always activities that require the members to interact, coordinate actions with others, and work cooperatively with their peers.
School Consultation
Some of our staff are school psychologists who work in schools. We know schools from the unique perspectives of both a school employee, and as a private therapist who actively advocates for strategies that will benefit your child. We help parents to know what they can demand, what their rights are, and what schools can do. We sometimes go to school meetings on your family’s behalf. We often consult and coordinate our services with your child’s school staff.
Staff Training/In-services
Dr. Robert Rosenthal, Program Director for Autism Spectrum Disorder Services, has made numerous national and local presentations on the subject of autism spectrum disorders. He has provided in-services to camp counseling staff, schools, and agencies. He has also presented at conferences and support groups.
Resources
Resources for People with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their Caregivers
(No resource listed is specifically endorsed by the GOC; they are listed as informational resources only)
Schools
Early Intervention in Philadelphia
If 0-3 years old, call Childlink
If 3-5 years old, call Elwyn at 215-222-8054 for a screening and Multidisciplinary Evaluation (MDE)
Early Intervention in Montgomery County, MCIU: 610-539-8550
Early Intervention in Bucks County, BCIU: 215-348-2940
School-Age
The Vanguard School, Paoli: 610-296-6700. Ages 4-21. www.vanguardschool-pa.org
Green Tree School, Philadelphia: 215-843-4528. www.greentreeschool.org
Devereux CARES, Downingtown: 610-873-4930
The Timothy School, Berwyn: 610-725-0755. www.timothyschool.com
Melmark, Berwyn: 1-888-635-6275
Adath Jeshurun, Elkins Park Preschool (SINAI Class): 215-635-3490
Easter Seals, Harleysville: 215-885-9606
Wrap-Around Services
Montgomery County
Child and Family Focus, Hatboro: 215-957-9771
Central Montgomery County MH Center, Norristown: 610-279-9270
Indian Creek Foundation, Souderton: 267-203-1500
Creative Health Services, Spring City: 610-948-6490
Philadelphia
CBH (approves all wrap-around): 215-413-3100
Dr. Wareny Smith: 215-456-2626
Center for Autistic Children: 215-878-3400
Community Council: 215-473-7033
PATH: 215-728-4565
PIN: 215-751-1800
Other
The Institute for Behavior Change: 610-383-1432
Green Tree School, Philadelphia: 215-843-4528. www.greentreeschool.org
Milestones, Elaine Gilbert: 610-655-9845
Lovaas Institute for Early Intervention: 856-616-9442
Non-GOC Therapists
Bonnie Simon, Speech Therapist, 402 Pepper Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA: 215-947-8978
Susan Hogan, Social Worker, Glenside, PA: 215-572-5965
Laurie Wing, Speech and Language Therapist with Adults, Jenkintown, PA: 215-886-7874
Occupational Therapy
Theraplay, Horsham, : 215-293-8882
Collage, Newtown Square: 610-356-7355. www.collage-otp.org
OTR, Inc.: Wilma Dorman, Blue Bell: 215-643-6404
Jeannetta Burpee, Blue Bell: 610-272-0968
Research
Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE): www.cureautismnow.org
CHOP Regional Autism Center: 267-426-0979
Developmental Pediatricians
Neurodevelopment Pediatrics of the Main Line: Dr. James Copland: 610-896-9754
Dr. Julia Hayes, Jenkintown: 215-849-6050
Dr. Susan Levy, CHOP: 215-590-7528
Dr. Beth Parish, St. Christopher’s: 215-427-5531
Dr. Tom Casey, Bryn Mawr: 610-527-8290
Psychiatrist: Anthony Rostain, CHOP: 215-746-7210
Psychiatrist: Main Line Clinical Associates: 610-975-9435
Social Skills Groups
Growth Opportunity Center: 215-947-8654, ext. 254
Autism Support Groups
Sharing and Caring of Bucks County
Holly Druckman, Richboro
215-321-3202
Meets second Thursday of each month, 7-9pm
ASCEND: www.ascendgroup.org
Autism Society of America (ASA): Greater Philadelphia Chapter: www.asaphilly.org
Parent to Parent: 1-800-986-4550
Lawyers
Hinkle and Fingles: 215-860-2100
Websites
Information
http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/library.htm
http://www.nichcy.org/index.html
http://curry.edschool.virginia.edu/sped/projects/ose/categories/aut.html
http://autism.about.com/mbody.htm
http://www.autism.org/
http://www.nldline.com/
http://www.autisminfo.com/Incidence.htm
http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?m=1101641229334
Family support networks
http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/
http://www.asperger.org/
http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer
http://www.ascendgroup.org/
Treatment
http://www.teacch.com/
http://www.futurehorizons-autism.com/
http://ccoder.com/GainingFace/Home.html
http://www.tonyattwood.com.au
http://www.cesa7.k12.wi.us/sped/autism/index2.htm
http://socialthinking.com/
http://www.timothyschool.com/index.htm
Books
Facing Autism, Lynn Hamilton and Bernard Rimland
The Child with Special Needs, Stanley Greenspan
The New Social Story Book, Carol Gray
A Work in Progress, Ron Leaf
The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome, Tony Attwood
Do-Watch-Listen-Say, Kathleen Ann Quill
Unraveling the Mystery of Autism, Karyn Seroussi
Autism/Asperger’s: Solving the Relationship Puzzle, Steven Gutstein
Visual Strategies for Improving Communication, Linda Hodgdon
To Be Me, Rebecca Etlinger
Social Skills Training, Jed Baker
The Social Skills Picture Book, Jed Baker
The Incredible 5-point Scale, Kari Dunn Buron & Mitzi Curtis
The Hidden Curriculum, Brenda Smith Myles
Teaching Asperger’s Students Social Skills Through Acting, Amelia Davies
Children with Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Patricia Howlin
Parenting Your Asperger Child, Alan Sohn, and Cathy Grayson
Power Cards, Elisa Gagnon
Demystifying the Autistic Experience, William Stillman
The Out-of-Sync Child, Carol Stock Kranowitz