Developmental Disorders Clinic at the
Institute for Juvenile Research
Clinical Services
The Developmental Disorders Clinic
(DDC) at the Institute for Juvenile Research is a specialty clinic devoted to
serving children, adolescents, and adults with known or suspected autism and
other pervasive developmental disorders. The clinic has a particular emphasis
on the differential diagnosis of autism and related disorders through
evaluations involving both a clinical child psychologist and child
psychiatrist. In recognition that most children with autism and pervasive
developmental disorders require intensive intervention services in the
community and through school programs, the DDC is equally committed to
providing consultation and training to families, school districts, and
intervention programs in the community.
Our professional evaluation
team, including clinical psychologists and child psychiatrists, has extensive
experience in the diagnosis and treatment of autism and pervasive developmental
disorders through the lifespan.
Jennifer Gorski, Ph.D.
Rachel Loftin, Ph.D.
Marisela Huerta, Ph.D.
Marrea Winnega, Ph.D.
Lisa Stanford, Ph.D., ABPP/CN
Jeff Salt, D.Clin.Psy.
Thomas Owley, MD
Bennett Leventhal, MD
Edwin Cook, MD
Diagnostic Evaluations
Diagnostic evaluations are
conducted across four sessions (two of which require the child’s presence) and
include the following components:
-
Record Review
-
Standardized parent interview (Autism
Diagnostic Interview, Revised)
-
Standardized observation measure (Autism
Diagnostic Observation Schedule)
-
Cognitive or Developmental Assessment
-
Speech/language tests
-
Medical Consultation
-
Extended feedback session (including
diagnostic impressions and recommendations).
-
Comprehensive written report
-
Follow-up consultative hour (optional)
This comprehensive set of
services provides a diagnosis and plan of action. The total evaluation cost
starts at 2500 dollars.
In addition to our initial
comprehensive diagnostic evaluations, the DDC performs follow-up evaluations to
assess progress of children, adolescents, and adults.
In order to schedule an
evaluation, please call (312) 413-4624 and request an evaluation in the
Developmental Disorders Clinic.
Neurodevelopmental
Psychopharmacology Clinic—NPC
The NPC clinic provides
medication treatment for individuals with autism. Click on the link above for more information.
Consultation and Training
In addition to comprehensive
diagnostic evaluations, the DDC also provides ongoing support and consultation
to families, school districts, and programs in the community. This includes,
but is not limited to the following activities:
-
Parent training and consultation
-
Training for professionals
-
Program consultation and evaluation
-
Case-based school consultation
Social Skills Groups
Social skills groups are
offered throughout the year and run for approximately 12 weeks. Currently,
recruitment for our social skills group for adolescents has ended. Information regarding
future groups will be posted here, as information becomes available. If you are interested in receiving
information about future social skills groups, as they become available, please
call us at 312.413.4624 to be placed on a list.
Autism Workshops and Information Sessions
The DDC offers a variety of workshops and information sessions for parents, caregivers, and professionals. Current topics include:
- Functional Behavioral Assessment,
- Adolescence
- Social Skill Development
- Introducing a child with ASD to his or her diagnosis
- Sibling support
- Early communication: concerns and strategies
Please click on the following
links for further information regarding our workshops and information sessions
(requires Acrobat reader):
Workshop Overview Workshop
Schedule Workshop Registration Form
Please call (312) 413-4624 to
request information about any of the services described above.
The Autism Program (TAP) at
Chicago
The Family Clinic at the
Institute on Disability and Human Development