Women & Children’s Hospital and The Children’s Guild Foundation in partnership with the University at Buffalo joined together to create the first family-focused, multi-disciplinary Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Center of its kind in Western New York. Through generous support from The Children’s Guild Foundation and Kaleida Health, the Center takes a unique approach to the diagnosis and care of children with this complex and increasingly prevalent disorder.
Components of the comprehensive program will: improve access and turnaround time to diagnosis; provide family-centered coordination of care; promote collaboration within research, service and community groups and launch a targeted communication, information and education campaign.
The University at Buffalo will have an integral role in the Center’s research, communication and educational initiatives.
Evaluation & Diagnosis
The Center will have a unique, multidisciplinary approach to evaluation and diagnosis of children with autism spectrum disorders. Prior to the first visit, parents will be asked to complete and return information on different areas such as the child’s medical history, behavior and sleep patterns which will be reviewed by the physicians.
During the initial visit, each child will be seen by a developmental pediatrician, child neurologist and child psychologist. After the visit, the team will discuss the child and determine the need for any additional testing, services or care.
After the testing is complete, the team will discuss the results and make a recommendation for diagnosis, support and services.
A meeting will be scheduled with the caregiver(s), one of the physicians and the Center’s Social Worker to discuss results and recommendations and answer any questions the caregivers may have.
The Center’s Social Worker and nurse will help coordinate appointments and services, answer questions and provide the families with information and support.
Other services
Women & Children’s Hospital is the only provider of medically-based diagnostic services for autism in Western New York. In addition to the professionals and staff in the departments directly involved in the multidisciplinary center, Women & Children’s Hospital offers a comprehensive range of pediatric specialty services to offer support and testing in areas such as occupational and speech therapy, nutrition and feeding, sleep disorders, genetic testing and imaging.
The Center is developing informational and educational programs for caregivers, families and friends of children with autism spectrum disorders.
For more information on the Center, please call (716) 878-7600 |
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