Autism Center
Serving the Needs of Children With an Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Families
Autism Center
Nationwide Children’s Hospital - Toledo provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care focusing on evidence-based treatment, education, research and advocacy for children with the diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Our mission is to provide assistance to every child and family affected by ASD who is in need.
What is an Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition characterized by challenges in three areas: language and communication, socialization, and repetitive and ritualistic behaviors. Our team includes experts from different specialties who provide treatment, education, research and advocacy for children with ASD. Nationwide Children’s Hospital - Toledo Autism Center can help you navigate resources and help your child reach their fullest potential.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientifically proven treatment for autism. It is the only intervention for autism recommended by the U.S. Surgeon General. Nationwide Children’s Hospital - Toledo Autism Center offers this intensive, individualized therapy year-round.
Our ABA program includes:
- Assessment of skills and disruptive behaviors at intake and every six months throughout treatment
- Development of individualized treatment plan to address skill deficits and decrease challenging behaviors
- Direct ABA therapy provided in a one-on-one format
- Parent training sessions to teach them how to use these skills in the home and community
Transition planning ABA interventions focus on the development of:
- Communication and language skills
- Social and play skills
- Pre-academic and school readiness skills
- Adaptive skills, including toilet training
- Positive behavior instead of problem behavior
Meet Our Team
Our team of pediatric autism experts include:
- Autism behavior technicians
- Board certified behavior analysts
- Certified occupational therapy assistants
- Licensed clinical social workers
- Occupational therapists
- Psychologists
- Registered behavior technicians
- Speech and language therapists (pathologists)
- Psychometrician
Services We Offer
Pediatric Autism Services
Nationwide Children’s Hospital - Toledo Autism Center offers individualized treatment plans, education and resources for children diagnosed with autism from infancy through age 6.
- Education and training for parents and siblings
- Speech and language therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Comprehensive, full day Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) programming
Diagnostic Services
Diagnostic evaluations, conducted by a team of professionals, are provided to children from 18 months to 18 years old.
Mental Health Services
Individual, group and family counseling sessions focus on:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Behavior modification to help your child learn to follow rules
- Parent-child relationship
- Sibling/family dynamics
- Social skills
- Self-esteem
- Coping tools
- Education related to the diagnosis of autism, including referrals and case management services
Occupational and Speech Therapy Services
Specially trained therapists evaluate children to develop individualized care plans to meet each child’s needs.
Speech therapy services include:
- Comprehension to help children understand verbal and non-verbal communication
- Oral motor function to help with swallowing and speaking
- Articulation (forming clear and distinct sounds)
- Augmentative and alternative communication devices that support or replace natural speech
Occupational therapy focuses on:
- Sensory challenges
- Feeding difficulties
- Building gross and fine motor skills
- Activities of a child’s daily life
