The Autism Program - Children`s Specialized Hospital

The Autism
Program
No one ever expects to need us...
then they can’t imagine life
without us.
Welcome
Children’s Specialized Hospital is the preeminent provider of pediatric rehabilitation services and is
the largest pediatric rehabilitation health system in the United States.
Our hospital is dedicated to improving the lives of patients through delivering superior medical and
therapeutic services in a safe and caring environment. Children’s Specialized Hospital’s core values are
excellence, innovation, teamwork, compassion, integrity, and fun. Last year over 20,000 children came
through the doors of our twelve New Jersey sites.
Through a blend of innovative therapies, personalized attention and compassionate support, our
award-winning doctors, nurses, and skilled pediatric therapists strive to make a difference for children
and their families each and every day.
About Autism Spectrum Disorder
Our Autism Program
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex
developmental disability that is characterized
by a combination of challenges involving social,
communication, and restricted and/or repetitive
behaviors or interests. At present, there is no known
single cause for ASD. Researchers are investigating
a number of areas including genetics, environmental
factors, and the interaction of genetics and environment.
ASD is called a spectrum disorder because it is defined
by a certain set of behaviors and affects individuals
differently and by varying degrees. Even though a
person may be diagnosed with ASD, there may be a wide
variety of skills, with different patterns of strengths and
challenges.
The Autism Program at Children’s Specialized is dedicated
to improving the lives of children, adolescents and families
living with ASD by providing comprehensive evaluation,
treatment, community education, and research.
Children’s Specialized is the largest regional provider of
services for children with ASD and their families, with
over 12,000 annual outpatient visits. We are focused on
early identification and treatment of ASD so that children
can reach their full potential. Our highly qualified staff is
committed to family-centered care. Our professionals and
families work together as partners to make sure that children
get the services they need.
“At Children’s Specialized Hospital, we have modeled our clinical
program based on the national standard for autism assessment
available in research centers. We provide care supported by
evidence based practice and the most up-to-date research.”
dr. yvette janvier, medical director, children’s specialized Hospital, toms river
An Amazing Place
A National Leader
Once thought to be a rare disorder, studies now show that 1 in every
49 children in New Jersey has an ASD. Recognized as a national leader
in the treatment and research of ASD, Children’s Specialized Hospital
follows over 3,500 children for the evaluation or treatment of ASD
across our numerous New Jersey sites. Early diagnosis and intervention
for ASD has received strong support from the experts:
Sussex
Passaic
Bergen
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H HH
HH
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Warren
Morris
Essex
Hudson
Somerset
Hunterdon
Union
Middlesex
Mercer
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American Academy of Pediatrics:
“The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all
children be screened for autism at 18 months.”
Monmouth
H
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Burlington
Ocean
Gloucester
New Jersey Early Intervention System:
“If a child experiences a developmental delay, the results of the
delays can compound over time and it may become more difficult
to modify established patterns of development.“
Camden
Salem
Atlantic
Cumberland
Cape
May
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Our Specialized Care
Evaluations
You may be pursuing an evaluation on your own, or perhaps
your child’s doctor or educational representative may
have made a referral due to concern about your child’s
communication, social skills, and/or behavior. Either way,
Children’s Specialized offers various types of evaluations.
Developmental Screening:
It is important to observe a child’s early developmental
milestones such as sitting, walking, language, and behavior.
Every child develops at his or her own pace, but sometimes
areas of development are delayed. Early screening
is important for young children who are not reaching
key developmental milestones. In our Developmental
Screening Clinics, children ages twelve to forty-eight
months are screened by an Advanced Practice Nurse to
review development and behavior, clarify diagnosis, make
treatment recommendations, and determine need for
further evaluation. If you are concerned about your child’s
development, contact the Children’s Specialized Hospital
Developmental Screening Clinic (DSC) at 1-888-CHILDREN,
extension 5226.
Autism Team Evaluations:
The multidisciplinary autism team at Children’s Specialized
consists of expert developmental pediatricians,
child psychologists, speech/language therapists, and
occupational therapists each trained in using gold standard
tools designed for children. These evaluations may include
neurodevelopmental, psychology, speech/language, and
occupational therapy assessments. These evaluations
provide information for the team to work closely with you
and your family to understand your concerns, determine
diagnosis, and partner with you to develop goals and a
treatment plan. Call 1-888-CHILDREN, extension 5166
if you are considering an autism team evaluation for
your child.
Psychology Autism Specialty Evaluations:
This evaluation is for children or teens in order to clarify
diagnosis as well as possible additional mental health
concerns. Gold standard diagnostic tools are used to assess
social communication, restricted interests and/or repetitive
behavior, cognitive functioning, and other areas as needed.
Call 1-888-CHILDREN, extension 5851 to schedule an
appointment.
Related Evaluations:
Children’s Specialized offers other separate evaluations
for children, with or without an ASD diagnosis. After
evaluations are complete, parents are presented with
a written report including recommendations. These
evaluations can include neurodevelopmental, psychiatry,
physiatry, speech/language, occupational therapy, physical
therapy, psychological, neuropsychological, educational, nutrition,
comprehensive feeding team, augmentative communication,
and audiology. Call 1-888-244-5373 to schedule an appointment.
Our Approach to Treatment
Children’s Specialized is dedicated to providing a
comprehensive approach to treatment. Hospital personnel
collaborate for the planning, delivery, and evaluation of
interventions for our patients. Our autism treatments
include applied behavior analysis (ABA), early intervention
(EI), feeding and nutrition therapies, medical, occupational
and physical therapy, psychology, speech/language, and social
skills groups.
Our Leading Edge Research
Children’s Specialized is at the forefront of research for
treatment and diagnosis of ASD. The hospital is conducting
various clinical studies related to improving diagnosis and
treatment for children, adolescents, and families affected by
autism spectrum disorder. Recent or ongoing studies include
a NIH-sponsored study of children with a regressive form of
autism, genetics of autism, medication studies, validation
studies for new diagnostic tools, determination of diagnostic
pathways, autism screening within underserved populations,
and evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment.
Preparing for Your Visit
Our Autism Resources
Preparing for an Evaluation
Family involvement during the evaluation is very important
and varies for each individual child. Questions about your
child’s medical and family history, education, typical behavior,
skills, and challenges will be reviewed. Intake coordinators
may ask you to complete questionnaires about your child’s
development prior to an evaluation. When coming to the
hospital for an evaluation, it is important to bring a current
list of your child’s medications; copies of prior evaluations;
previous medical and therapy reports; copies of school
reports such as an IEP; and equipment your child may
use (glasses, hearing aid, etc.). Many parents also find it
helpful to bring a list of questions. Please bring any other
important documentation such as photo identification, your
insurance card, guardianship papers, physician referrals,
and prescriptions. Children should wear loose comfortable
clothing, socks, and comfortable shoes. If possible, it
is recommended that the child’s siblings stay home so
that families can provide undivided attention during the
evaluation.
Take the time to educate yourself about autism spectrum
disorder and services that are available. If your child has
received a diagnosis of ASD, you will receive recommendations
for therapies and other supports to help your child and
your family. After a diagnosis, you and your family may
have questions or concerns about how your child and family
are affected. For this reason, we have provided practical
information to help guide you. Visit our website to find
helpful resources and community supports related to autism
spectrum disorder. There are also many helpful resources
in our parent resource areas located at each Children’s
Specialized site.
Understanding Insurance Coverage
In many states, governmental regulations require specified
health insurance plans to offer benefits for many prescribed
autism treatments. These treatments include medically
necessary occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech
therapy, mental health, and behavioral interventions. It
is important for families to make sure they have reviewed
their insurance coverage and/or eligibility for government
assistance for each recommended autism-related service.
As insurance coverage for these services can be confusing, it
can be helpful to contact your insurance provider or speak
to one of our representatives in our Patient Access Services
department for more information to ensure coverage for
each service. If therapy is recommended, our Patient Access
Service representative will obtain pre-authorization for the
prescribed treatment. Pre-authorization is not a guarantee of
insurance payment. Once the treatment is approved, you will
be contacted to schedule an appointment.
Our Community Education and
Outreach Program
Children’s Specialized provides community education and
outreach. Many of these activities build awareness and
provide tools and resources to promote inclusion of families
living with ASD. The hospital offers unique programs as well
as free, downloadable, multimedia resources available online
which anyone, anywhere may adapt as needed.
El Programa de Autismo
Trastornos del espectro autista (ASD) es una discapacidad
compleja del desarrollo que se caracteriza por una
combinación de retos que incluyen la comunicación social, y
comportamientos o intereses restringidos y / o repetitivos.
Aun cuando una persona sea diagnosticada con ASD, puede
tener una amplia variedad de habilidades, con diferentes
niveles de fortalezas y debilidades. Children’s Specialized
Hospital es el mayor proveedor regional de servicios para
los niños con ASD y sus familias, incluyendo el diagnóstico y
tratamiento.
La detección temprana es importante para los niños
pequeños que no están alcanzando los principales hitos del
desarrollo. Nuestras clínicas de evaluación del desarrollo
son para niños de doce a cuarenta y ocho meses de edad
con posibles problemas de desarrollo que no han sido
diagnosticados previamente. Si usted está preocupado por
el desarrollo de su hijo, póngase en contacto con la Clínica
de Evaluación del Desarrollo llamando al 1-888-CHILDREN,
extensión 5226.
Algunos niños pueden requerir una evaluación del equipo
del autismo, la cual generalmente consiste de tres visitas e
incluye evaluaciones psicológicas, del desarrollo neurológico,
del habla/lenguaje y de terapia ocupacional. Llame al
1-888-CHILDREN, extensión 5166 si usted está considerando
que el equipo de autismo le realice una evaluación a su hijo.
Otras evaluaciones están disponibles para niños o
adolescentes con el fin de clarificar el diagnóstico (ASD), y
otros posibles diagnósticos adicionales. Estas evaluaciones
pueden incluir la psiquiatría, el desarrollo neurológico,
fisiatría, terapia del habla/lenguaje, terapia ocupacional,
terapia física, audiología, la educación, la nutrición, la
alimentación integral, y la comunicación aumentativa.
Children’s Specialized Hospital se dedica a proporcionarle un
enfoque exhaustivo al tratamiento. Nuestros tratamientos
para el autismo incluyen el análisis aplicado de la conducta
(ABA), la intervención temprana (EIP), alimentación y
terapias de nutrición, la terapia médica, ocupacional, física
y del habla/lenguage, la psicología, además de participación en
grupos de habilidades sociales.
Es importante revisar su cobertura de seguro y/o su elegibilidad
para la ayuda del gobierno en relación con los servicios para
el autismo y los de ABA antes de la cita. Comuníquese con su
proveedor de seguros o hable con uno de nuestros representantes
en el departamento de servicios de acceso para pacientes para
obtener más información y asegurar la cobertura de cada servicio.
Antes de la evaluación, es posible que el coordinador de admisión
le pida que complete un cuestionario sobre el desarrollo de su
hijo. Al venir para una evaluación, es importante traer una lista
actualizada de los medicamentos de su hijo, las evaluaciones
anteriores, previos informes médicos y de terapia, informes
escolares tales como el IEP, y el equipo que su hijo utiliza (gafas,
audífonos., etc.) También les resulta útil a muchos padres
traer una lista de preguntas. Por favor traiga cualquier otra
documentación importante, por ejemplo identificación con foto,
tarjeta de seguro, papeles de la tutela, referencias médicas y
recetas. Si es posible, recomendamos que los hermanos del niño
se queden en casa para que las familias puedan prestar máxima
atención durante la evaluación.
Tómese tiempo para educarse sobre los trastornos del espectro
autista y los servicios que están disponibles. Visite nuestra página
web donde encontrará recursos útiles y servicios de apoyo para
la comunidad relacionados con los trastornos del espectro autista.
También hay muchos recursos útiles en nuestras áreas de recursos
para padres que se encuentran en cada instalación de CSH.
Children’s Specialized Hospital treats children and adolescents
from birth to 21 years of age with a wide variety of medical,
developmental, educational, and rehabilitative needs.
For more information about
Children’s Specialized Hospital,
please contact:
Developmental Screening Clinic:
1-888-CHILDREN, Ext. 5226
Autism Evaluations:
1-888-CHILDREN, Ext. 5166
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA):
1-888-CHILDREN, Ext. 2480
Autism Community Education and Outreach:
1-888-CHILDREN, Ext. 2481
150 New Providence Road
Mountainside, New Jersey 07092
For information on directions, parking,
additional services, how to volunteer,
or donate, contact us at:
1-888-CHILDREN (244-5373)
Or, visit our website:
www.childrens-specialized.org
An affiliate member of the Robert Wood Johnson Health System and a member of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.