AUTISM CENTER

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Behavioral Developmental Services

Family Solutions developed Behavioral Developmental Services to be the number one facility in the state seeking the diagnosis and care for children on the autism spectrum. It is one of the few facilities in the state and the the only facility in North Louisiana that provides a complete and certified autism diagnosis and treatment plan. We provide the highest standard available when it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder. In addition to early identification and diagnosis, Family Solutions also provides cutting edge, evidence based treatment services that help you, your child, and your family navigate this unfamiliar world.

Behavioral Developmental Services is a collaboration of professionals from different therapeutic disciplines all with the passion for helping children with behavioral and developmental disabilities. Our mission is to provide a comprehensive collaborative approach to diagnosis and treatment where we work together using our individual experience and training to provide the best treatment outcomes possible.

Our multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment is considered the highest standard available in the industry. Behavioral Developmental Services is one of the few facilities in the state to provide this higher level of diagnosis and treatment. We are the only facility in North Louisiana that provides psychiatric, psychological, mental and behavioral health, speech therapy, and occupational therapy services in one location.

Signs of Autism

Symptoms of Autism vary in presentation, frequency, and intensity. This is why the disorder is called Autism SPECTRUM Disorder. The following are symptoms and/or disorders that are associated with Autism:

What do I do now?

If you have observed any of the above symptoms or have had health care professionals mention Autism to you, the first step is to get a formal diagnosis through a comprehensive autism evaluation by a multi-disciplinary team. Family Solutions is the only facility in North Louisiana that provides the highest standard available when it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder. In addition to early identification and diagnosis, Family Solutions also provides cutting edge, evidence based treatment services that help you, your child, and your family navigate this unfamiliar world.

Steps for our evaluation include:

  • An initial consultation with our Licensed and Board Certified Behavior Analyst;
  • An evaluation and medical recommendation from our Pediatric Psychiatrist to confirm concerns of Autism;
  • Formal observation and testing with our Psychologist, Speech Therapist, Occupational Therapist, and Behavior Analyst;
  • A formal evaluation report* with formal diagnosis and treatment recommendations are given to parents.

*This formal evaluation report consists of ALL providers involved in your child’s evaluation. The providers involved in your child’s evaluation consist of Child Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Speech Therapist, Occupational Therapist, and Behavior Analyst.

Get Help

Once your child has a confirmed formal diagnosis of Autism, the next step is to develop a treatment plan that is unique to your child’s specific needs. Family Solutions provides the most comprehensive treatment approach available utilizing ABA, Speech, and Occupational Therapy as the vehicle to get your child moving on their journey. Combined with medication management and family support services, no other center in North Louisiana provides this level of care.

Physical Therapy (PT) is focused on any problems with movement that cause functional limitations. Children with autism frequently have challenges with motor skills such as sitting, walking, running, or jumping. Physical Therapy can address poor muscle tone, balance, and coordination.

Occupational therapists use a holistic approach in planning programs. They take into account the physical, social, emotional, sensory and cognitive abilities and needs of students. In the case of autism, an occupational therapist works to develop skills for handwriting, fine motor skills, and daily living skills.

Speech therapy can improve overall communication with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This makes it possible for children diagnosed with autism to improve their ability to form relationships and function in day-to-day life.

Today, Applied Behavior Analysis is widely recognized as the most effective treatment for autism. It has been endorsed and approved by most state and federal agencies. In particular, ABA principles and techniques can foster basic skills such as looking, listening, and imitating, as well as complex skills such as reading, conversing, and understanding another person’s perspective.

med-manage

There are no medications that can cure Autism Spectrum Disorder or treat the core symptoms. However, there are medications that can help some children with Autism Spectrum Disorder function better. For example, medication might help manage high energy levels, inability to focus, depression, or seizures. Medications might not affect all children in the same way. It is important to work with a health care professional who has experience in treating children with ASD. Parents and health care professionals must closely monitor a child's progress and reactions while he or she is taking a medication to be sure that any negative side effects of the treatment do not outweigh the benefits.

fam-support

Family Solutions provides individual, couple, and Family Therapy for children, teens, and adults. Autism Family Therapy is a specialized therapy practice focusing solely on individuals and families who live with autism spectrum disorder, Asperger syndrome, anxiety, attention deficit disorder and other related conditions. Sessions may include children, teenagers, adults, parents, partners, siblings, grandparents or caregivers.

nutri-coun

A dietitian can evaluate the foods the child agrees to eat for potential dietary deficiencies. The dietician can watch the child and family during meal times to assess habits that may be hindering food intake. An Registered Dietician also can screen the medications the child takes that may have side effects that contribute to feeding problems.

Schedule a consultation

Next, you will be scheduled to consult with our child psychiatrist to continue the screening process. Our screening process allows us to assess all factors both externally and internally that may be causing deficits to manifest. During this time, a series of questions will be asked to better understand medically related factors that may have caused delays in your child’s development. You will be educated on potential biological impacts to your child’s development and options for treatment. An initial diagnosis may be given during this time.

In order to confirm the initial diagnosis of Autism, standardized instruments (tests) must be conducted by the multi-disciplinary team. If an initial diagnosis was given during the screening process, your child will be scheduled for formal testing with the Psychologist, Behavior Analyst, Speech Therapist, and Occupational Therapist. Our testing process is designed to be conducted all in one day but may take up to 2 days. This is dependent upon the cooperation and current functioning of your child.

Once formal testing is complete, you will be given a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation report. This evaluation report will include recommendations for treatment, including local providers. You may also use the evaluation to receive Special Education services for your child at his or her school. Our comprehensive evaluation is recognized by all insurance carriers and will allow your child to receive approved services.

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CERTIFICATIONS

  • Board Certified Behavior Analyst
  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
  • Licensed Professional Counselor
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
  • AAMFT Approved Supervisor
  • Licensed Addictions Counselor
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • Licensed Speech Language Pathologist
  • Licensed Occupational Therapist
  • Licensed Physical Therapist
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

MONROE

Counseling Center
1105 Hudson Lane,
Monroe, LA 71201

  (318) 322-6500

Lumen Counseling
100 CenturyLink Drive,
Monroe, LA 71203

  (318) 582-7272

Pediatric Therapy
1300 Hudson Lane, Ste. 7,
Monroe, LA 71201

  (318) 361-7180

Autism Center
1300 Hudson Lane, Ste. 9,
Monroe, LA 71201

  (318) 600-6640

WEST MONROE

Counseling Center
1401 N. 7th Street, Suite B
West Monroe, LA 71291

  (318) 503-8300

Autism Center
107 McMillan Road
West Monroe, LA 71291

  (318) 600-6640

 

SHREVEPORT

Counseling Telehealth
  (318) 255-2922

Autism Center
9441 Stevens, Suite 150
Shreveport, LA 71106

  (318) 600-6640

RUSTON

Counseling Center
2102 Floyd Park Dr, Ste 2,
Ruston, LA 71270

  (318) 255-2922

Autism Center
206 E. Reynolds Dr, Ste C3,
Ruston, LA 71270

  (318) 600-6640

Pediatric Center
206 E. Reynolds Dr, Ste C3,
Ruston, LA 71270

  (318) 224-9177

WINNSBORO

Autism Center
4279 Front Street
Winnsboro, LA 71295

  (318) 605-2636

 

LAFAYETTE

Autism Center
201 Rue De Jean
Lafayette, LA 70508
  (337) 362-2500