Learn how the Advocate Autism Program achieves remarkable results at a fraction of the cost of traditional therapy, but depends on charitable gifts to offset the cost of care for families who would otherwise be unable to afford it.
Our program for children with autism stresses early diagnosis, intensive treatment, and support for parents and caregivers. Utilizing our approach, children with autism face a better prognosis than ever before.
Accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning are the first steps to good outcomes for children with autism. Our specially trained, multidisciplinary team uses diagnostic procedures that provide the most reliable and valid assessment of the child with suspected autism. Dr. Valeria Nanclares, who is certified in the use of the Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), coordinates the diagnostic team. Evaluations are available for children from early childhood through the teen years and include the following:
The PDC has developed a unique and highly successful treatment model that focuses on helping parents learn to interact successfully with their child with autism. The center offers extensive parent training; provides therapy for the child in a variety of settings including the home and center; collaborates with the child's special education program; and adapts services to meet the unique needs of each child and their family.
Autism treatment at the PDC is based on an integration of approaches that have shown clinical efficacy in the research literature, including structured teaching approaches as well as principles of applied behavioral analysis. Therapists are highly trained and clinical work is carefully evaluated. Outcome data for children who have completed the program components show significant developmental gains in key areas of functioning.
Treatment components include the following:
Treatment components include the following:
Bilingual Services The PDC staff mirrors the diverse makeup of the communities served by the center. The full range of services is available in Spanish-English and translators are available for a wide range of other languages
Cost The Pediatric Developmental Center strives to provide services to every family in need regardless of ability to pay. We are aided in this effort by private grants and philanthropy, including The Feldman Endowment for Children with Special Needs and The Masonic Family Health Foundation. The center has a sliding fee scale for eligible families; Medicaid and private insurance are also accepted. Our billing coordinator is always available to assist families.
For more information on diagnosis, treatment and our specialized programs, contact the Pediatric Developmental Center at 773.296.7340.
The Advocate Autism Program relies on charitable gifts to offset the cost of care for families who would otherwise be unable to afford it. Click here to make a gift online
Read more:
The Autism Treatment Program - Advocate Health Care