Center for Autism

Grand Rapids, Michigan Outpatient Services

The Center for Autism, located on the Coral Lettinga Campus in Grand Rapids, Michigan, provides comprehensive outpatient 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 ABA 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 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. Our specialists work together to develop a treatment plan that best meets the needs of the individual.

By providing all of our services in one location, it reduces the stress of multiple office visits for the individual and their family.  The Center was specifically built to incorporate unique design elements that will make a visit less stressful for the person with autism. Take a photo tour of the Center for Autism.

Seeking financial support for treatment at the Center for Autism? Learn about our Autism Assistance Fund.

Available Services

Neuropsychological/Psychological Evaluation 
The neuropsychological evaluation assists with gaining a thorough understanding of an individual’s diagnosis, their strengths and talents, and factors that could be barriers to their success. The result of the evaluation includes a comprehensive treatment plan, and the neuropsychologist coordinates both treatment options within our program as well as assists families in determining options for helpful services from external providers. The neuropsychologist also collaborates closely with your primary care physician and monitor treatment response to ensure that your treatment plan meets your changing needs.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Behavior modification, performed by a board-certified behavior analyst teaches desirable responses and behavior patterns to replace undesirable ones. 

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 offers a variety of friendship/social skills group for teens and young adults who have Asperger’s Syndrome, high-functioning autism, or some other social impairment.  

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.