Autism Program ; Expert Support for Children with Autism ChildServe’s Autism Program offers a comprehensive range of services for children or young adults who display characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Our pediatric specialists evaluate, diagnose, and treat children and young adults. We help families find and understand resources related to their child’s needs. Behavioral support techniques for children with ASD are interwoven throughout our program. We provide referrals and recommendations about behavior support plans, communication techniques, and environmental supports. Why choose ChildServe? Advanced Training ChildServe specialists have advanced training regarding ASD. They complete special competencies to ensure the best care possible for each child we serve. Child-led Instruction Our autism program offers a fun, family-focused environment with services designed around each child’s unique needs. We teach children new skills by tapping into their favorite activities and interests to make learning fun. Multi-disciplinary Team Our multi-disciplinary team provides a continuum of care to meet the needs of families and children. Standardized Testing We use standardized testing tools from psychological, occupational and speech disciplines to evaluate many levels of a child’s functioning. Who We Serve ChildServe’s Autism Program supports children and young adults who have a diagnosis of ASD, or who demonstrate common behaviors of ASD. Autism Day Program Our Autism Day Program is the only one of its kind in Iowa. We offer specialized weekday care for children with ASD (ages two through six years old). Children receive positive behavioral support from staff along with occupational, speech, and physical therapy on-site during the day to promote overall health and development. Children in the Autism Day Program participate in evidenced-based treatments focused on their needs, abilities, and goals. We use the STAR curriculum (Strategies for Teaching based on Autism Research), which is designed for children with ASD. The research-supported components of STAR align with therapy goals identified on each child’s plan and include systematic skill-building lessons and progress tracking. Research shows that children who receive early intervention for ASD have improved long-term outcomes in goal areas like independence and meaningful relationships. The Autism Day Program is offered at ChildServe in Ames, Iowa City and Johnston. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) ABA is a science that seeks to understand how learning occurs. ChildServe ABA identifies the best approach to teach children new skills like communicating, engaging with others, learning independently, and other skills that help them be successful at home, school or in the community. Licensed behavior analysts and registered behavior technicians work with children and families to help them achieve their goals. ChildServe provides ABA in a fun-filled, empathetic environment. Through our child-led approach, each child’s unique interests, likes and dislikes help us create a customized plan to make learning fun. ABA has a strong emphasis on parent training and family involvement. ABA is provided in 1:1 or group settings and can occur four to 30 hours per week. Diagnostic Clinic The Diagnostic Clinic at ChildServe provides evaluations and diagnoses for ASD. Our pediatric psychologists work alongside occupational and speech therapists to provide families with education, referrals, and recommendations regarding their child. The specialists at ChildServe use the assessments to create individualized comprehensive reports that help children thrive in school, home, and life. Our team then recommends treatment plans for a variety of mental health or cognitive concerns. More Diagnostic Clinic Information Family Education & Support Navigating services for a child with ASD can be difficult. ChildServe’s pediatric specialists provide feedback, guidance, and resources to help parents and educators understand a child’s condition. We partner with families to find the right programming, resources, and funding options that children need to thrive. Educational Resources Our Medical Social Workers are available for guidance, family advocacy, and referral support. The Family Resource Library at ChildServe in Johnston, as well as our community and clinical trainings, provide families the opportunity to increase their knowledge about caring for a child with ASD. Supported Community Living (SCL) In ChildServe‘s SCL program, children and young adults learn communication systems that help their relationships with parents, siblings, and teachers. They participate in activities of their interest, receive support to interact with their community, and prepare to take on new challenges. SCL supports families by helping children with autism to become more independent and improve their communication abilities. Parent Coaching Project ImPACT (Improving Parents as Communication Teachers) is an evidence-based program that teaches parents to promote their child’s social-communication skills during daily routines and activities. Family Support ChildServe Respite offers families a break from the day-to-day demands of caring for a child with ASD. ChildServe’s respite service allows parents to attend events for their other children, schedule appointments for themselves, or simply take time to recharge. Meanwhile, our caretakers help kids safely do the things they love in individual or group settings. Life Skills Programming ChildServe helps teens and young adults with ASD (ages 14-21 years old) make the transition to adulthood by building independence. Through supported, interactive activities, young adults learn daily living skills, employment skills, and job acquisition skills through group or individual therapy sessions. We teach functional routines and expressive/receptive language skills. Our specialists partner with parents to develop individualized plans and goals for each young adult. Medical Nutrition Therapy Children and young adults with ASD may struggle with eating a healthy diet due to sensory difficulties. Our Feeding and Swallowing Clinic uses the SOS Approach to Feeding to assess and treat children with feeding difficulties. Our therapists focus on helping children feel safe exploring and learning about foods with different textures, tastes, smells, and consistencies. We also provide consultations on specialty diet options. Outpatient Therapy Providing physical, occupational, and speech therapy to children with ASD is different than providing the same therapies to children who are not on the autism spectrum. ChildServe therapists have advanced autism training, and our programs and facilities are well-suited for treating children with ASD. Our special sensory gyms make it easier for children with ASD to focus and thrive at therapy in a controlled environment. Social Group Programming When developing communication skills, practice is key to success. ChildServe offers children a safe space to build skills in social groups led by occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists. Children of all ages benefit from our 12-week group sessions made to increase communication skills and confidence. A typical group size includes three to six children. Research Partners ChildServe’s Autism Program joins in local and regional ASD research projects to help researchers gain a better understanding of the genetic causes of autism and identify the most effective ways to intervene. This includes finding the best treatment techniques, targets, and delivery models. We partner with research groups to provide data. In turn, the research groups report to the government about the need for more access to qualified services in our state and across the nation. Our Team of Specialists ChildServe’s Autism Program team includes the following positions: Licensed Psychologist Pediatrician Licensed Mental Health Professional Social Worker Speech Therapist Occupational Therapist Physical Therapist Licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst 123 Frequently Asked Questions How do I get started? Where are the services provided? When are services provided? Contact Us! ChildServe - Johnston 5406 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, IA 50131 515-727-8750 ChildServe - Ames 1915 Philadelphia Street, Ames, IA 50010 515-232-7220 ChildServe - Iowa City 2350 Oakdale Blvd., Coralville, IA 52241 319-351-5437 If you would like to make a referral, or if you have questions for our team, please email communications@childserve.org. Be sure to include which location you are interested in so we can connect you with the right team member. About ChildServe improves the health and well-being of 5,200 children each year through specialized clinical, home, and community-based programs and services. We serve children with developmental delays, disabilities, injuries, and other special healthcare needs. 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