Autism Services
The Autism Spectrum Disorders program at Moore Counseling Center, P.C., is directed by Jennifer L. Morris, Ph.D.
Diagnostic Evaluations
The first step in working with a family of a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is accurate diagnosis. The diagnostic evaluation can provide important information that can be used to help with treatment and school recommendations. A typical evaluation includes a diagnostic play session (using the gold-standard Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – 2nd Ed.), parent interview, intellectual testing, and adaptive behavior assessment. A detailed report, including recommendations, is written and discussed with each family.
Individual and Family Services
Because of the unique nature of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), treatment goals are individualized to meet the needs of each child and family. Individual and family therapy services involve developmental and behavioral interventions. The Moore Counseling Center autism specialists were trained in using both structured teaching and behavioral therapy methods, and they typically use a skillful combination of these techniques in their work with children with ASD and their families.
Social Skills Groups
Because severe social skills deficits is one of three main areas of impairment in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), treatments to improve functioning in this area are essential for maximizing long-term outcomes. The MCC social skills groups for children with an ASD have emphases on perspective taking, interaction/play skills, communication, self-awareness and self-monitoring, and understanding emotions.
IEP Advocacy
The MCC’s Education Consultant is a certified Special Education teacher who works with children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) on a daily basis, and who is highly experienced and skilled in the development of effective individualized education plans (IEP). Newly diagnosed families often benefit from her guidance and coaching during the IEP development and implementation process.
