Treatment and support for children with autism and their families

Children with autism and related disorders exhibit deficits in social-communication skills such as language, imitation, emotion sharing, play, and social interaction skills. In addition, they also may have some associated behavioral difficulties such as aggression, severe tantrums, difficulty with transitions, self-stimulatory behavior and may exhibit delayed cognitive or self-help skills.

When a child has a confirmed or possible diagnosis of autism, the family plays and especially key role in their child's treatment program. We work together with families to support their child's social-communication, behavioral and emotional growth.

TREATMENT

At the Hearing & Speech Institute, we provide state-of-the-art intervention for children with autism and related disorders. This program relies on the latest scientific research in designing treatment programs for children and their families. The goal of our autism intervention services is to increase social-communication skills and address related behavioral challenges in children with autism and related disorders. This program is built on an interdisciplinary model including professionals from the fields of speech-language pathology, behavioral/developmental pediatrics, psychology, and occupational therapy with a specialty in working with children with autism and their families.

Specific Services Include:

Medical Management and Monitoring

Specialized ongoing case management with the Institute's multidisciplinary team and other treatment resources as needed, medical management including medication when appropriate, and family support all to assure your child's success.

Individualized Parent Training

We offer individualized parent training and education for families with children with autism five years and younger. The goal of this program is to teach parents how to promote their child’s communication, play, and social skills throughout their daily routines. Families participating in the parent-training program at the Hearing & Speech Institute work directly with their child and the speech-language pathologist twice a week for twelve weeks to learn how to implement a variety of evidence-based intervention techniques. Parent training focuses mainly on naturalistic intervention techniques (e.g., PRT, floor time, incidental teaching) but may also include other evidence-based interventions strategies such as discrete trial training, structured teaching, augmentative communication systems (e.g., PECS), and video modeling when appropriate.

Your insurance may cover the cost of the parent training services. Many insurance companies require a prescription, signed by a physician, before initiating services, including speech-language therapy. If you have any questions about your insurance coverage, you should talk to your provider.

Specialized Behavior Management and Support

Children with autism and related disorders often exhibit behavior problems that can be very challenging. We provide individual consultations with parents on how to manage their child's behavior behavior at home and in the community using positive, proactive methods. We also provide consultations to help parents promote self-help and independence skills.

Speech-Language Treatment

Our speech-language pathology program provides the entire range of services. For more information about our services go to: Speech Pathology Services.

Occupational Therapy

Children with autism often benefit from Sensory Integration services. For more information about our services go to: Occupational Therapy Services.

Social Language Groups

Groups for children and teens with autism and language disorders who exhibit difficulty with peer relationships. Group activities teach strategies for successful social interactons. For more information about this program, please go to: Social Language Groups.

Parent Support Groups and Sibling Social Skills Groups

Families come together to share information and provide emotional support. Siblings of children with autism are taught strategies to enhance interaction in a play-based group. For more information about these programs please go to: Autism Support Groups.

School Program Consultations

We provide consultations to teachers and other school personnel on how to address problem behaviors and promote communication and social skills. The Autism Services professional and the teaching staff work together to develop a behavior management plan or social skills intervention for an individual child. Consultation services are usually initiated by and paid for by the parent, but may be paid for by the school upon agreement between the parent and school.

For information about any of these programs, or to make an appointment contact: Amanda Cornelius, M.S., CCC, Program Director at 503-802-5255, or email:

Read More about the Program from the Oregonian

More autism resources and links from CDRC.