Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition related to brain development. It involves a broad range of symptoms that affect how children relate to and socialize with others. Children may have difficulties in communication, social interaction, and restrictive and repetitive behaviors.
Symptoms of ASD can be mild, moderate, or severe and often start in early childhood.
If your child or teen has autism spectrum disorder, you may be looking for answers, guidance, and next steps. It can be overwhelming. We can help. We focus on helping your child gain developmental, emotional, and social skills. And we offer guidance, support, and reliable help for you and your family.
UPMC Western Behavioral Health Autism Services provides expert evaluation, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment. Every care plan is personalized to support your child’s growth and development.
Pediatric Autism Services We Offer at UPMC
According to the National Autism Association, autism is the fastest-growing developmental disorder.
UPMC Western Behavioral Health provides comprehensive services, treatments, and programs for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. The right support can make all the difference.
We start treatment for children with autism as early as 18 months of age. We continue treatment throughout their lifespans — through adolescence and adulthood. Diagnostic assessments allow us to develop a treatment plan tailored to each child.
The goals of autism treatment change across a person’s lifespan. Our continuum of care sets us apart from most other programs by offering ongoing, lifelong support. We also work with children with autism who have other developmental disabilities or co-occurring psychiatric or behavioral disorders.
How Do We Diagnose and Treat Autism?
We understand that no two children are alike. That’s why we offer a wide range of services and treatments that are tailored to your child’s individual needs. Early intervention and age-appropriate therapies are essential for helping a child with autism.
Comprehensive evaluation
Initial diagnostic assessments, including initial screenings, assessment, and evaluation, focus on:
- Education to understand your child’s disorder and allow for focus on treatment and advocacy issues.
- Psychiatric diagnoses and treatment options.
- Your child’s strengths, weaknesses, and current level of functioning.
Comprehensive autism assessments focus on:
- Use of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) for children who may need additional expert autism evaluation.
- Information from home, school, and any prior evaluations.
Treatment options we offer
Medication clinic focuses on providing:
- Comprehensive medication evaluation.
- Education about medication risks and benefits.
- Help in monitoring the child’s symptoms and side effects.
- Psychosocial treatment, including family, group, and individual therapy.
- Social skills training is available for children and adolescents.
Families will receive a detailed written report along with specific treatment recommendations.
Other evidence-based treatments may include:
- Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT)
- Program for Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS).
- RUBI Autism Parent Training Program for Disruptive Behavior.
Many children and teens with autism are also diagnosed with other conditions.
These may include:
Multidisciplinary Care
We also collaborate with specialists across UPMC, including pediatrics, neurology, gastroenterology, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy.
Programs include:
- Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders.
- Conroy Intensive Treatment Program — The program aims to reduce or eliminate symptoms and behaviors that are inhibiting a child’s ability to reach their fullest potential in home and school environments. This is a collaborative effort between UPMC Western Behavioral Health and Pittsburgh Public Schools. For information, call 412-335-7584.
- Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention Program — Comprehensive one-to-one treatment for young children who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The program emphasizes a positive, structured way of teaching skills and reducing behavioral problems. Treatment typically begins in the home. For information, call 412-235-5315.
- Family-Based Autism Mental Health Services — For families caring for children and adolescents with autism, emotional problems, and behavioral problems. This service aims to keep families together and reduce the need for out-of-home placement. To learn more, call 412-798-6870 or 412-624-1000.
- Summer Intensive Day Treatment Program — Designed for children and adolescents experiencing behavioral problems that interfere with their functioning and are related to autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, or a developmental disorder. This is an eight-week, full-day program with services beyond those in traditional summer programs. To learn more or to make a referral, call 412-335-7584.
- Therapeutic Early Autism Program — This program assesses a young child’s skills and behaviors to provide individualized treatment that meets the child’s specific needs. The program works to enhance the language and communication, social and play skills, pre-academics, and independent living skills of young children. To learn more, call 412-713-0855 or email TEAP@upmc.edu.
We are here for you and your child. We want every family to have access to the support and resources they need to help their child grow and thrive.
Why Choose UPMC for Autism Services?
- We're nationally and internationally recognized — Autism Services at UPMC Western Behavioral Health, our doctors, and our staff are world-renowned for their educational, clinical, and research activities.
- Center for Autism and Developmental Disorders (CADD) is one of only 20 national locations of the Autism Treatment Network. CADD also serves as western Pennsylvania’s Regional Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Center (ASERT).
Need care for yourself or someone you love? Contact Us.
For a mental health emergency, call 988.
For an appointment near you, call Western Behavioral Health’s main phone number at 1-877-624-4100 or 412-624-1000.
UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital
3811 O’Hara St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Call 412-624-1000 or toll free 1-877-624-4100.
Are you a resident of Allegheny County and in crisis?
Call our resolve Crisis Services at 1-888-796-8226. It’s free and open 24/7.
Or go to the resolve Crisis Services walk-in clinic:
333 North Braddock Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15208
If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide or self-harm:
Text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or call 800-273-8255.
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