Services at The Watson Institute
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Diagnostic Evaluations The Child Assessment Program at The Watson Institute provides comprehensive evaluations of children when the family or primary care physician has questions regarding the child's developmental progress. The results and conclusinos of the evaluation are reviewed with the family during the child's visit. A detailed written report is provided within one week of the initial visit. Pediatric Neuropsychology The pediatric neuropsychology program is designed to perform a systematic evaluation of cognitive abilities such as intelligence, memory, language, attention, problem solving ability, visual-motor skills, sensorimotor abilities, personality/emotional functioning and academic skills. Neuropsychological tests can be helpful in forming a diagnosis, identifying a child's strengths and weaknesses, guiding treatment for psychological, educational or vocational needs, making recommendations to medical personnel or educators, and documenting change over time, such as the successfulness of treatment. Wraparound Services Wraparound services are designed to provide intensive service to children with autism and autism spectrum disorders, and most recently, to children with medical and neurological illnesses. These services are provided in the child's home or designated location in the community. The Watson Institute's approach to wraparound services is unique to each child and family. The approach and recommendations are based on each child's strengths and weaknesses. Watson professionals use the latest intervention tools and techniques that have been proven effective in helping children. Outpatient Therapy The therapy program at The Watson Institute, also called Services for Children with Autism and Families; Facilitating Outpatient Learning and Develoment (SCAFFOLD) is an outpatient clinic for children and adolescents with autism or a related disorder, including those with Asperger's and Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). The Watson Institute has assembled a professional staff with specific expertise in the field of autism and related disorders. The interventions and methods used at Watson are specifically designed for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders and their families. There are a variety of services available through the SCAFFOLD program at The Watson Institute, including:
In addition, outpatient services are offered to adolescents dealing with issues such as:
Medication Management The Watson Institute offers medication management services for children with an autism spectrum diagnosis. Summer Camp Programs The Watson Institute offers three camp programs for children and teens: Camps WISP, STAT and SCALE. Camp WISP is offered in many locations throughout the Pittsburgh area, providing children with autism spectrum disorders an opportunity to enjoy the camp setting with their typically-developing peers. Camp STAT is offered at The Watson Institute's Sewickley and Sharpsburg campuses for teens with Asperger's or High-functioning autism. Two sessions are offered throughout the summer. Camp SCALE is offered at our Sewickley campus for adolescents on the autism spectrum with significant challenges in communication and adaptive skills. Support Groups Parents with Autistic and Autistic Like Children (PAALS) PAALS is a support group offering support and education to those in the community who have an interest in or have a child with autism. The group holds its regular meetings one Friday per month throughout the school year from 9:30 -0 11:30 a.m. at The Watson Institute. Evening Parent Support Group and Parents Together The Evening Parent Support Group and Parents Together allow parents of children with disabilities to exchange concerns, feelings and ideas, as well as opportunities for education, support and friendship with others who are dealing with similar joys and challenges of parenting children with special needs. Special resources are provided to deal with common issues such as finances, stress and behavioral issues, and parenting children with special needs. The Evening Parent Support Group meets one evening per month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Parents Together meets one Friday morning per month during the school year from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. |