Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism is a neurologically based developmental condition that is characterized by symptoms in three areas: language and communication, socialization, and repetitive and ritualistic behaviors. This condition is a spectrum disorder, meaning Autism’s influence ranges from minimal to severe.

A child or adolescent with autism may lack the ability to communicate or engage in conversations, be socially isolated or awkward, have difficulty regulating his/her emotions, and engage in non-functional repetitive and ritualistic behaviors. They may also have fine motor delays, eating and sleeping disorders, anxiety and other mental health issues, learning and academic problems, and other medical conditions, such as seizures and gastrointestinal disorders. With early and intensive interventions, children with autism can make remarkable progress in all areas.

Autism occurs in approximately four of every 1,000 live births. In Franklin County, Ohio, alone, it is estimated that nearly 30 autistic children are born every year. Until now, these families have had little choice but to incur the expense of bringing in experienced consultants from some of the premier autism programs in the country.

Through both the Developmental Assessment Program and the Intensive Behavioral Intervention Program, the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Nationwide Children’s Hospital provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care focusing on evidence based treatment, education, research and advocacy for children with the diagnosis of Autism, Asperger's or other disorders on the autism spectrum.

One of a handful in the country, Nationwide Children's comprehensive autism program is designed to substantially improve access to better quality care, treatment and education for children challenged by autism.

And in order to ensure that each and every family receives the most comprehensive care available, Nationwide Children’s Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders includes Autism Resource Coordinators that are available to answer your questions, provide resources and information, make referrals and assist with scheduling appointments within Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

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Autism Screening Instrument
The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) instrument is used to screen toddlers between 16 and 30 months of age to assess their risk for autism spectrum disorders. If you answer “No” about your child to more than 3 items, contact your child’s pediatrician or family physician for an evaluation, or call (614) 355-8080 to request an appointment with Nationwide Children’s Behavioral Health Services. For additional information, please call (614) 355-8315 and ask to speak with an Autism Resource Coordinator.

Please note that there is a high false positive rate, meaning that not all children who score at risk for autism spectrum disorders will be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders.

Access the M-CHAT screening instrument »

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Special Autism Report: A Profile of Ohio’s Publicly Funded Services for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Download the 58 page report here. For more information on the Autism Report: please call (614) 839-2860.