A welcoming banner for autism services featuring diverse individuals and the text "Autism".
Seeking specialized and compassionate Autism Doctors Near Me? If you or a loved one is navigating life with autism or an intellectual developmental disability, UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital offers expert care close to home. Our Center for Autism and Intellectual Developmental Disabilities provides comprehensive diagnostic and intervention services for children, adolescents, and adults. We understand that finding the right support is crucial, and our dedicated team is here to help individuals of all ages.
Taking the first step towards understanding and managing autism involves a thorough assessment to ensure an accurate diagnosis. At our center, you don’t need a referral to access our services. Anyone can request an evaluation for themselves or their child. To schedule an appointment and begin your journey toward personalized care with leading autism doctors near me, please call UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital at 1-877-624-4100 or 412-624-1000.
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) encompasses a diverse range of conditions impacting brain development, typically emerging in early childhood. Autism primarily affects communication and social interaction skills, but it’s important to recognize the wide spectrum of presentations. In the United States, autism affects approximately 1 in 44 children and 1 in 45 adults (ages 18+).
The challenges associated with autism can range from mild to profound. However, many autistic individuals possess unique strengths, intense passions, and exceptional learning abilities in specific areas. They often offer distinct problem-solving perspectives and may excel in various academic or professional pursuits.
While parents and healthcare providers often observe developmental differences before age 3, such as delays in speech or milestones, autism signs can sometimes be subtle in early years. It’s not uncommon for children to initially receive diagnoses other than autism. Furthermore, individuals can be diagnosed with autism at any point in life, even in adulthood.
It’s important to acknowledge the language preferences within the autism community. Many individuals prefer identity-first language, identifying as ‘autistic’ rather than ‘having autism’. We respect and honor individual preferences at the Center for Autism and Intellectual Developmental Disabilities, ensuring that your preferred language is used throughout your care journey.
Recognizing Autism Signs and Symptoms
While autism presents uniquely in each individual, some common signs and symptoms include:
- Challenges in social interaction and understanding social dynamics.
- Difficulty interpreting nonverbal social cues.
- Deep, highly focused interests in specific topics or activities.
- Repetitive behaviors or movements, such as arranging objects or hand movements.
Early intervention and therapies are often most impactful in childhood. However, therapies and support services remain beneficial for older children and adults, enhancing social, academic, and professional functioning.
Treatment goals for autism evolve throughout a person’s life, adapting to changing needs and priorities.
Comprehensive Autism Programs and Services for Children and Adolescents
Our center provides assessment and treatment for autistic children starting as young as 14 months. A key differentiator of our program is our commitment to ongoing care, supporting individuals through adolescence and into adulthood. If you are searching for dedicated autism doctors near me for your child or teen, UPMC offers a wide spectrum of services.
Our multidisciplinary team delivers a comprehensive array of inpatient and outpatient services for children, adolescents, and young adults. These services include:
- Thorough diagnostic assessments to identify autism and co-occurring conditions.
- Evidence-based behavioral therapies tailored to individual needs.
- Medication management when necessary, integrated with behavioral interventions.
- Family and caregiver support services to promote understanding and coping strategies.
Our specialized programs for children and adolescents include:
Therapeutic Early Autism Program (TEAP)
This intensive early intervention program provides daily preschool-based behavioral therapy for children aged 2 to 5. For more information about TEAP, please call 412-713-0855.
Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) Program
EIBI offers personalized, community-based services for autistic children. Treatment typically begins in the home environment and gradually expands to school and community settings to promote generalization of skills. To learn more about EIBI, call 412-235-5315.
Conroy Intensive Treatment Program
This unique program is a collaboration between UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital and Pittsburgh Public Schools. Students participate in a 30-hour per week program throughout the academic year, combining intensive therapy with educational support. For inquiries about the Conroy Program, please call 412-335-7584.
Partnership with UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
Our center collaborates closely with UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, providing coordinated care for autistic children and children with intellectual developmental disabilities who have co-occurring medical conditions. Through this partnership, your child may access services such as:
- Speech therapy to address communication challenges.
- Occupational therapy to enhance daily living skills and sensory processing.
- Support and resources related to gender identity and sexuality.
This collaborative, team-based approach ensures seamless communication and integrated care, keeping all of your child’s healthcare providers informed and aligned. We also actively collaborate with schools and other educational programs, providing guidance and support to teachers in meeting your child’s specific learning needs.
Programs and Services for Autistic Adults and Adults with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities
UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital extends its commitment to comprehensive autism care to adults. We offer a range of outpatient programs and services designed to meet the unique needs of autistic adults. If you are an adult seeking autism doctors near me, our center provides:
- Comprehensive assessments to clarify diagnosis and guide treatment planning.
- Medication management, when appropriate, to address specific symptoms.
- Individual, family, and group therapy options to promote well-being and skill development.
- Skills training programs to enhance independent living, social skills, and vocational abilities.
Inpatient care is also available for autistic adults or adults with intellectual developmental disabilities who are experiencing acute behavioral health challenges. Our short-term hospital stays focus on stabilization and medication management in a supportive environment.
Why Choose UPMC for Autism Care?
When searching for autism doctors near me, choosing the right center is a critical decision. UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital stands out as a leading provider of autism services due to our:
- Whole Person, Integrated Care: Our philosophy centers on addressing the holistic needs of each individual. We consider emotional, social, educational, and medical factors, providing support across all life domains, regardless of age.
- Family-Centered and Sensory-Sensitive Environment: We understand the importance of family involvement and provide a welcoming, calm environment designed to minimize sensory sensitivities.
- Unparalleled Resources and Expertise: Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry, a nationally recognized top-tier academic program, UPMC is the only autism program in Pennsylvania benefiting from these extensive resources.
- Renowned Autism Experts and Research Leadership: As a top-funded program, including recognition as a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Autism Center of Excellence, we attract world-renowned experts who are driving advancements in autism research and delivering cutting-edge, evidence-based care.
- Participation in the Autism Care Network: UPMC is a proud member of the Autism Care Network, a collaborative of 20 leading autism treatment and research centers across North America. This network facilitates data sharing and best practice exchange to improve diagnostic accuracy, treatment effectiveness, and family support. We are committed to partnering with autistic individuals and their families to ensure our research and services are aligned with their priorities.
- Active Involvement in Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training (ASERT): Funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, the ASERT initiative is a statewide resource that UPMC actively supports as one of three key partners in Pennsylvania. ASERT focuses on educating professionals and families, providing leadership opportunities for autistic individuals, and gathering data to enhance autism services across the state.
- Home to the Regulation of Emotion in ASD Adults, Children, and Teens (REAACT) Program: The REAACT program at our Center for Excellence in Autism Research (CeFAR) is a federally and foundation-funded research initiative focused on emotion regulation and mental health in autism across the lifespan. REAACT conducts diverse studies, including neuroimaging and physiological measures, and houses an NIH Autism Center of Excellence grant focused on mental health and suicide prevention in autistic adults. REAACT is also dedicated to training the next generation of autism researchers.
- Commitment to Training Future Autism Clinicians and Researchers: UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital is deeply committed to training the next generation of professionals dedicated to autism care and research. We offer a range of training programs, including clinical psychology internships, research training programs for medical students and residents, and NIH-funded postdoctoral training grants.
Contact Us for Autism Care
In a mental health emergency, please call 988.
For appointments and to access the expertise of our autism doctors near me, please contact Western Behavioral Health’s main phone number at 1-877-624-4100 or 412-624-1000.
UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital
3811 O’Hara St. Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Call 412-624-1000 or toll free 1-877-624-4100.
For Allegheny County Residents in Crisis:
Contact resolve Crisis Services at 1-888-796-8226. This free service is available 24/7.
Or visit the resolve Crisis Services walk-in clinic:
333 North Braddock Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15208
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm ideation:
Text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or call 800-273-8255.
Find a Location Near You to explore other UPMC Behavioral Health locations.
