Merck Adult Outpatient Clinic

The Merck Adult Outpatient Clinic specializes in assessing and treating adults who have autism spectrum disorder and/or intellectual disabilities. The clinic also works with adults who have developmental disabilities and co-occurring psychiatric or behavioral disorders.

Diagnostic Assessment

The Merck Adult Outpatient Clinic provides diagnostic evaluation. Staff makes special efforts to obtain medical, occupational, and other information before the screening to maximize the value of the consultation. Evaluation focuses on:

• The individual’s strengths, weaknesses, and current level of functioning
• Psychiatric diagnoses and treatment options
• Education to understand the person’s disorder and focus on treatment and advocacy issues

Medication Clinic

A specialty medication clinic provides comprehensive medication evaluation. Consumers, parents, and caregivers receive education about medication risks and benefits. They receive help in monitoring symptoms and side effects and are asked to report changes to the treatment team.

Response to medications is documented by using standardized scales, questionnaires, and observation methods. Relevant physical markers (blood pressure, pulse, height, weight) and other laboratory tests also are monitored, as needed.

Services

The clinic provides evaluation, medication monitoring, and group, individual, and family therapies.

Treatment

Comprehensive outpatient treatment services are provided. This treatment may include family, group, and individual therapy. Social skills training groups are available for adults.

Staff

The clinic employs staff who are trained and experienced in the treatment of individuals with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disorders.