University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Where we are located

The PDA Center at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center is located at the OU Child Study Center on the campus of the Health Sciences Center in the Department of Pediatrics.  The Child Study Center provides a variety supports and services to children with developmental disabilities and their families in the state of Oklahoma.   

Services for children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

A recent focus of the OU Child Study Center has been to provide supports and services to the very youngest children at risk for autism. In an effort to identify children early with ASD so that early intervention can begin as soon as possible, a diagnostic clinic was established to prioritize early detection of autism. The Jump Start Developmental Clinic is designed to assess the strengths and needs of infants, toddlers and young children who may be at risk for ASD. Once a child is identified families are provided with support to find resources in the community. Classes and informational sessions are offered to families whose child has been identified as having an ASD.

Training Opportunities

Support for community programs who provide services for children with autism and related disabilities is provided through School Support Services at the OU Child Study Center.  The goal of School Support Services is to provide technical assistance to local school districts and early intervention programs in effective practices for students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).  Training and technical assistance is provided by offering informational sessions about current research and promising practices for students with ASD, on-site consultation, coaching, program evaluation and quality assurance planning.

Related Projects

In addition to training and support services for families other programs that provide support to children with ASD and their families include Project PEAK and Sooner SUCCESS. Project PEAK provides training in assessment procedures for school assessment teams in the identification of autism spectrum disorders as well as program planning for these students. Sooner SUCCESS provides support to children with developmental disabilities and their families including ASD using a Medical Home Model. A Medical Home Model links children with health and developmental concerns and their families to community providers and to provide families with coordinated services from the medical community, social services, and educational programs.