Center for Autism
The Center for Autism, located on the Coral Lettinga Campus in Grand Rapids, Michigan, provides comprehensive outpatient services treatment for autism spectrum disorders (ASD), learning disabilities, ADHD, and social/emotional disorders in children across West Michigan. While our emphasis at the Center for Autism is on evidence-based early intervention and therapies with children as young as age two, we also provide services to older children and their families, including a social skills program for adolescents and young adults called Puzzle Partners. Our multi-disciplinary clinical team includes a psychiatrist, neuropsychologist who accepts adults as well as pediatric patients, Ph.D. Psychologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Masters-level Social Worker (LMSW), Occupational Therapist, and Speech Therapist.
By providing all of our services in one location, it reduces the stress of multiple locations for the individual and their family. In addition, all the specialists are in one location so we can work together to develop a treatment plan that best meets the child's needs. The Center was specifically built to incorporate unique design elements that will make a visit less stressful for the person with autism.
Seeking financial support for treatment at the Center for Autism? Learn about our Autism Assistance Fund.
Available Services
Multi-disciplinary Evaluation
At both our outpatient and residential facilities, our multi-disciplinary team provides a thorough assessment of the client. Our product is a report and treatment plan where all practitioners have come to a consensus about the diagnosis and best treatment plan for the patient.
Neuropsychological/Psychological Evaluation
The psychological evaluation will explore the factors that could limit an individual's success to guide treatment plans and approaches to help the person maximize his/her potential.
Behavior Analysis
Behavior modification teaches desirable responses and behavior patterns to replace undesirable ones.
Psychiatry
Our psychiatrists work with each child and determine what symptoms are best treated with medications.
Psychotherapy
The goal of psychotherapy is to reduce emotional distress by developing improved coping skills. Our comprehensive treatment begins with a psychological or neuropsychological evaluation which provides clear recommendations for treatment by our psychologist and neuropsychologist.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapists help clients learn important and meaningful activities for their day-to-day lives.
Residential Options
Our DART program provides residential services for adolescents with autism and other neuro-developmental disorders.
Social Skills Groups
Puzzle Partners provides social activity programs for children on the autism spectrum through outings, friendship and social conditioning activities.
Speech Therapy
Speech/Language therapy treats articulation difficulties, fluency disorders such as stuttering, and challenges with the development and/or production of speech, as well as difficulties with the basic understanding of language and/or expression of needs for those who have at least some verbal skills..
If your loved one exhibits symptoms of autism or another neurodevelopmental disability, please contact your family care physician or the Center for Autism.