Opening a World of Possibilities for Those on the Autism Spectrum
Autism is a chronic condition that can be challenging to treat because there is no cure and no one-size-fits-all treatment. Children’s Specialized Hospital, a RWJBarnabas health facility with locations in New Jersey, has opened a new Autism Center of Excellence to help patients and their families navigate the treatment process.
The Center provides state-of-the-art services, training, advocacy and research to support individuals with autism. It is not a physical location, but instead offers an all-encompassing approach to care implemented at sites across the state.
The new center’s medical services include developmental behavioral pediatrics, primary care, psychiatry and system partners. Patients can receive therapy for a range of services, including early intervention, psychology, and speech and feeding therapy, among others.
The center also offers training for the community to highlight the needs and strengths of individuals with autism and training for professionals to increase access to diagnosis and support.
Dr. Malia Beckwith, section chief of developmental behavioral pediatrics at CSH, said the integrated approach sets up patients for success “from diagnosis to intervention and beyond.”