Frequently Asked Questions
What is autism?
What causes autism?
How is autism diagnosed?
How can I tell if my child has autism?
How can I schedule an evaluation?
What do you do during the evaluation?
What can I do to help my child?
When will my child talk?
Why doesn't my child sleep?
Why doesn't my child eat?
What treatments do you offer at The Center for Autism?
What is SAS (Specialized Autism Services)?
At what age are children accepted/discharged from the SAS programs?
What type of insurance do you accept?
How do I apply for medical assistance?
What is Sensory Integration Dysfunction?
What job opportunities are available at the Center?
When is the Center open?
What is autism?
Autism is a complex and lifelong neurodevelopment disability. Autism is a spectrum disorder that affects each individual differently and to varying degrees. It is a syndrome that is defined by a collection of characteristics. The hallmark feature of autism is a qualitative impairment in reciprocal social interactions, ranging from a complex lack of emotional contact with others, to social awkwardness in attending and maintaining ongoing relationships. People with Autistic Disorders also have qualitative impairments in the way they communicate, and may engage in repetitive behaviors, have restricted interests or encompassing preoccupations, and may be very inflexible.
What causes autism?
At this time it is not known what causes autism. There are a number of theories that are reflecting trends, however research has not been able to identify one known cause.
How is autism diagnosed?
The identification of autism is based on diagnostic criteria. These criteria include qualitative impairment in social interactions, qualitative impairment in communication, and restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests and activities.
At The Center for Autism, we conduct a bio-psychosocial evaluation. Through observation of the individual's behaviors and collecting developmental, medical and psychiatric history from the family, the psychiatrist is able to determine the individual's diagnosis and make appropriate recommendations.
How can I tell if my child has autism?
If you are observing impairment in eye contact, social skills and communication, and increased participation in restricted or repetitive behaviors, you should have your child evaluated. This evaluation will determine if your child meets the diagnostic criteria for an Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
How can I schedule an evaluation?
If you are interested in scheduling an evaluation please contact our Intake Department at 215-220-2121. At that time, you will be asked to provide information about the person you would like to have evaluated. For more information on our evaluations, click here.
What do you do during the evaluation?
The Center for Autism evaluates individuals for autism using the diagnostic criteria of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM IV). During the comprehensive bio-psychosocial evaluation, our psychiatrist will observe and assess the behaviors of the individual being evaluated. A developmental, medical and psychiatric history is also taken from the family members of the person being evaluated. Collecting this history allows the psychiatrist to make a diagnosis based on the observations of family and how the child is presenting during the evaluation.
What can I do to help my child?
Learning that your child has autism can be a lonely experience. Many parents report that they feel like they have "lost their child". Upon learning that a child has autism, many families are eager to begin treatment. Early interventions have proven to be helpful when addressing the needs of individuals with autism. There are a number of links on this site to direct you to treatment interventions and support networks. If you would like to have your child evaluated, please contact our Intake Department at 215-220-2121.
When will my child talk?
Many individuals with autism have difficulty communicating. Each child is different and will develop communication skills in their own time. The Center uses a variety of treatment approaches geared towards helping the child develop a communication system that can be gestural, visual or verbal. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that a child will talk, but there is a strong likelihood that they will communicate in a way that works for them.
Why doesn't my child sleep?
Many individuals with autism experience disturbed sleep. This can be stressful on the family, as they may also become sleep deprived. If your child is experiencing disturbed sleep you should speak with your medical and treatment team about treatment strategies to address this behavior.
Why doesn't my child eat?
Many individuals with autism will not eat or will only eat specific foods. The reason for these behaviors may stem from medical reasons or Sensory Integration Dysfunction. Families who are experiencing difficulties with feeding are encouraged to address these concerns with their medical and treatment team.
What treatments do you offer at The Center for Autism?
Our program is individualized and based on the unique needs and skills of each child. We strongly believe that setting programs based on individual strengths and obtaining reachable goals is the key to facilitating each child's ability to be successful. In order to individualize the treatment for each child we may utilize combinations of the following approaches:
- Development, Individual Difference, Relationship-based (DIR)
- Visual Support
- Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
- Applied Behavioral Analysis
- Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication Handicapped Children (T.E.A.C.C.H.)
- Sensory Integration Therapy
- Creative Art Therapies
- Verbal Behavioral Therapy
These approaches are integrated and adjusted to fit the child's needs and preferences with the objective of maximizing their growth and independence. For more information on treatment, click here.
What is SAS (Specialized Autism Services)?
For more information on our SAS programs, click here.
At what age are children accepted/discharged from the SAS programs?
The Center for Autism accepts children ages 2-5 years old for its Pre-K Program. We offer evaluation services to individuals of all ages, and our Social Competency Program is available to individuals ages 6-15.
What type of insurance do you accept?
The Center's services can be accessed & paid for through Medicaid in Philadelphia by CBH or on a sliding scale for Philadelphia residents. Currently, most private insurers do not cover the Center's services. Residents of counties outside Philadelphia pay full-fee for services.
In Pennsylvania, children with severe disabilities, like autism spectrum disorders, are eligible for Medicaid through Social Security regardless of the parent's income. This is known as the Pennsylvania Loophole. You can apply for Medicaid/Medical Assistance at www.dpw.state.pa.us/ServicesPrograms/MedicalAssistance.
Private Insurance
Starting on July 1, 2009, Pennsylvania’s House Bill 1150 will require private insurers to cover autism-related treatment & diagnosis up to $36,000 annually for individuals under 21. If you are a resident of Pennsylvania and would like more information on autism coverage, please contact your insurer.
How do I apply for medical assistance?
To apply for medical assistance you must contact The Department of Public Welfare (DPW). You can contact DPW by phone, through the web or by visiting your local office. Applicants can apply for medical assistance based on income or after their child has received a diagnosis of autism. In the state of Pennsylvania, children who carry the diagnosis of autism are eligible for medical assistance through Social Security, based on their diagnosis. You can apply for Medicaid/Medical Assistance online at www.dpw.state.pa.us/ServicesPrograms/MedicalAssistance.
What is Sensory Integration Dysfunction?
Sensory Integration Dysfunction is an irregularity or disorder in the brain function that makes it difficult to receive, or make sense of, sensory input. This may include information received from sights, sounds, smells, tastes, temperatures, pain or the movement and position of the body. When the brain misinterprets the sensory information, odd or repetitive behaviors may be observed.
What job opportunities are available at the Center?
The Center is continually seeking new team members. Current job opportunities are posted in Join Our Staff. If you are interested in a volunteer or internship position, please send cover letter and resume to Andrea Kennedy, Director of Human Resources, at akennedy@thecenterforautism.org.
When is the Center open?
The Center is open year-round, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.