What is the mission of the Autism Center?

The mission of the Autism Center is (1) To provide coordinated state-of-the-art services for children with autism spectrum disorders and related developmental disabilities and their families; (2) To provide professional training in order to build capacity in the community in terms of its ability to provide high quality services; (3) To increase knowledge and awareness about autism and related developmental disabilities in the professional community and general public; (4) To serve as a model for service delivery for other communities across the nation; and (5) To collaborate with clinical and research programs relevant to autism spectrum disorders.

Where is the Autism Center located?

The Autism Center is based at the Center on Human Development and Disability at the University of Washington Seattle campus. A new satellite clinic has just opened its doors in the Cherry Parkes building on the UW Tacoma campus.

What kinds of intervention services are provided?

A broad range of empirically supported intervention services are provided to children with diagnoses in the autism spectrum and to their families. A range of treatment options is available to parents. Parents are able to choose the type of treatment and level of service that are right for them and their child, with guidance from Center staff. Among the types of services that are provided by the Autism Center are Applied Behavior Analytic Intervention programs, structured teaching approaches, the use of visual supports, and social skills training. Center staff can also provide in-home support for behavior management and consultation to the child's classroom.

Does the Center provide intensive ABA programming?

Yes. The Center has a multi-disciplinary team consisting of educators, psychologists, behavior analysts, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists developed the intervention curriculum. Intervention programs employ a variety of empirically supported, best practice strategies, with reliance on theories of applied behavior analysis and developmental approaches. Strategies of intervention are combined in order to optimize each individual child's learning.

What types of evaluation services are provided?

The Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic provides a range of evaluation services including diagnostic, educational, and neuropsychological evaluations. Among the specialty services offered are diagnosis of infants and toddlers, and evaluations for high-functioning individuals with autism or Asperger's syndrome.

What kind of professional training is provided?

The Professional Training Program is offered through the UW Continuing Education Program. This program will prepare Ph.D and Master's level professionals to provide consultation to families affected by autism and to train and supervise paraprofessional staff in schools, early childhood centers, hospitals, and institutions.

What other services are available at the Center on Human Development and Disability for children with autism?

The Clinical Training Unit at the CHDD provides multi-disciplinary diagnostic evaluations for children with a variety of special needs and it has expertise in evaluating children with autism spectrum disorders. This multi-disciplinary team coordinates their services with the Autism Center. Please call 206-685-1242 for more information.

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