Adult Services

Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders deal with a unique set of challenges as they work toward independence. While our name reflects the original emphasis of this center on children, we currently provide a full range of services to adults, specifically geared to individuals with ASD's.

Evaluations

Psychological evaluations may address determining an initial diagnosis, establishing eligibility for programs and resources, updating diagnoses and the profile of strengths/weaknesses, and making recommendations to optimize independence and adjustment.

Individual Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy includes supportive approaches, Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment, Behavioral Treatment of problem behaviors, and psychoeducational interventions, all tailored to the needs of individuals with ASD's.

Family Therapy

Family Therapy can be helpful for families dealing with the stress related to the transitions of adulthood (e.g. living on your own, maintaining employment, finding social and recreational outlets). This includes helping parents live with an "adult child- how to set limits, push for independence, and deal with behavioral challenges while respecting his/her status as an adult. This type of treatment can also support a family as it balances the needs of the individual with an ASD with other family challenges, or manages crises and life cycle changes.

Social Skills Groups

Groups meet weekly and combine teaching social skills with providing opportunities to practice them within a group setting. Skills addressed include reciprocal conversation, establishing friendships, following social conventions, and making effective invitations. The groups also work on skills related to employment such as talking to a supervisor, asking questions, getting along with co-workers, and interviewing.

Consultation to Programs

Center staff also work with transition programs and community based providers (e.g. community mentors, life skills coaches, job coaches) in order to consult around instructional techniques, learning tools, ecological assessment, and facilitating social opportunities.