Announcing Autism Services

DePelchin Children’s Center, one of Houston’s oldest and largest social service organizations, announces the addition of DePelchin Autism Services to its behavioral health offerings for children and families.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates one in 150 children in the United States is identified with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), making it the second most common developmental disability. The onset of autism usually occurs by the age of three, and early intervention is essential to increase the chance of a positive outcome. Although there is no cure, children who have autism can develop and improve skills that will allow them to live healthy and meaningful lives with treatment and parental support. A diagnosis of autism opens a Pandora’s box of frustration, anxiety, and grief for the family.  Parents and siblings are continually challenged by their loved one’s behaviors and interactions for years to come.

This additional service being offered by DePelchin will help address an increasing need for autism services in the community. DePelchin offers services to help families through the entire process of treating autism from evaluation and assessment to an individualized course of action for the child and family. The following resources are provided:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessment
• Psychiatric evaluation
• Medication assessment
• Classes for parents
• Individualized plan of action
• Advocacy to schools
• Support groups for parents, siblings and children who have autism
• Individual, family, and group therapy

Four components offered by DePelchin Autism Services: Assessment, Social Thinking Academy, Family Talks and the Information Series.

Initially, parents receive a complete report including assessment results, recommendations and information on available resources. The SocialThinkingAcademy is a group for children who have autism. Through this group therapy approach, children learn specific social interaction skills. Family Talks is a support group available to parents and siblings of children who have autism. Parent groups address various topics of raising a child who has autism, while sibling groups offer information to help them understand their brother or sister. Parents and caretakers can also benefit from the Information Series, a series of lectures on topics relevant to raising a child who has autism.

“Coping with and treating autism requires a commitment from the whole family,” says Rachel Halpern, autism program coordinator at DePelchin Children’s Center. “This new service offering means families will have unprecedented access to tools, support and guidance all in one location. DePelchin’s caring and supportive staff has years of professional experience with children and families and provides compassionate, inspiring care to every member of the family.”

Autism affects communication skills, social interaction and behavior. Individuals who have an ASD typically have difficulty understanding verbal and nonverbal communication and learning appropriate ways of relating to other people, objects and events. Although ASDs affect individuals differently and with varying degrees of severity, children who have autism may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Problems with social, behavioral and communication skills
• Severe language deficits or differences
• Imitation of words or phrases
• Repetitive actions

For more information on DePelchin Autism Services, call 713-730-2335 or visit www.depelchin.org.

Media Contact:
Jerry Heinold
Manager, Marketing & Communications
DePelchin Children's Center
713-802-7651