UT Southwestern and Children's Health℠ Center for Autism Care

A team approach to treatment for autism and developmental disabilities

We use a team approach to deliver comprehensive care that addresses all your child’s needs. Our team includes specialists in many different techniques, methods and fields, including:

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which can help children strengthen their social and communication skills

• Neurodevelopmental neurology, where experts diagnose and treat learning challenges and other medical conditions that often accompany autism

• Psychiatry, which can help children cope with anxiety, aggression and other emotional or behavioral disorders

• Psychology and neuropsychology, where experts can diagnose autism and provide treatments such as individual and family therapy

• Social work, which supports you in the many areas of life affected by your child’s condition, such as school and home

• Speech therapy or occupational therapy which may be also recommended depending on your child's needs

Expertise in the range of developmental needs

Awareness of autism has grown in recent years, but treatment remains complex and challenging. This is true for a wide variety of developmental disabilities, including fragile X syndrome, intellectual disability and rare genetic conditions. Our team has exceptionally deep expertise in the best way to manage these conditions – which can be different for every child. Our team members are specially trained in developmental disabilities, and many of us have decades of experience caring for kids like yours. We work closely together to make sure everyone on the team has a full picture of your child’s needs and current situation. This helps us provide the right care for your child at the right time.

Advanced evaluations and treatments

Caring for your child at our center begins with an evaluation of their health and needs. Our experts in child psychology and neurology perform in-depth tests to diagnose autism and other developmental disabilities. Treatment includes the latest therapy strategies, such as Applied Behavioral Analysis for children as young as 18 months. We also provide recommendations for helping your child with intellectual challenges and behavioral management.

Our doctors are also on the faculty at UT Southwestern, which helps keep them up to date on the latest research. This includes research into innovative gene therapies. These therapies may be able to reduce the symptoms of autism and rare genetic disorders by targeting genes that are associated with these conditions.

A place for every patient

We are proud to treat children from all backgrounds and with any insurance status. We are also one of the only centers in the region that can treat complex and difficult cases, such as adolescents with autism who display tendencies for aggression or self-harm.

Autism and developmental disabilities affect many parts of a child’s life, and can be complex conditions with many different dimensions. Children's Health℠ brings together experts in different specialties to provide the individual care your child needs. We can help with even the most challenging cases. Our patients come from all over Texas and nearby states, and we support your whole family on the journey forward.