GHC-SCW's Autism Program
GHC-SCW is committed to excellence in care through our Autism Services! We offer neuroaffirming and multidisciplinary, evidence-based services to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their parents/caregivers. At GHC-SCW, families have access to a collaborative approach that leverages the expertise of various professionals while maintaining the family at the center of all decision-making.
Our team includes behavior analysts, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists and behavior program assistants.
We offer services in our clinics, at patients’ homes and by telehealth.
Our services include the following:
Social & Emotional Skills Development
For ages 4 to 16 | The child must be able to communicate in full sentences.
Settings: 1 to 1 or group, in-clinic (available for Wisconsin residents) and in-home (available for Dane County residents), telehealth as appropriate
Focus: Helping children and teens build emotional awareness, self-regulation and social skills
Includes:
- Peer interaction and relationship building
- Emotional regulation strategies
- Parent coaching and support
Speech and Language Therapy
Speech and language therapy helps children, teens and young adults build the communication skills they need to connect with others and participate confidently in everyday life.
For autistic individuals, therapy may support:
- Understanding and using language
- Speech clarity
- Social communication
- Play skills
- Self-advocacy
- The use of augmentative and alternative communication methods
Our approach is neuro affirming, person centered and strengths based. We recognize that every individual has unique strengths, interests and ways of communicating. Therapy focuses on supporting goals that are meaningful to the individual and their family while building confidence, independence and meaningful relationships.
What to Expect
During the initial evaluation, we will use a collaborative and neuro affirming approach that may include:
- Family interviews
- Observations
- Language samples
- Standardized assessments
These help us develop individualized recommendations for treatment.
During the initial evaluation, we use a collaborative and neuro affirming approach to identify areas where additional support may be helpful and to create an individualized treatment plan. Therapy sessions are tailored to each person’s goals and may focus on communication skills that support success at home, school, work and in the community. Families are typically seen weekly or every other week for sessions that vary in length and duration based on individual needs.
You are an important part of the team. We maintain open communication throughout the therapy process so you feel informed, supported and confident in helping your child, teen or young adult reach their goals.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy helps children, teens and young adults develop the skills they need to participate more fully and confidently in everyday activities.
For autistic individuals, occupational therapy may support:
- Sensory processing
- Emotional regulation
- Motor skills
- Daily routines
- Social participation
- Engagement in home and school settings
Our approach is neuro affirming, person centered and strengths based. We build on each individual’s strengths while supporting goals that are meaningful to them and their family. Occupational therapy can help increase independence, confidence, participation and overall quality of life
What to Expect
Progress is monitored throughout the therapy process, and the plan of care is adjusted as needed. You are an important part of the team. Occupational therapy also supports families by providing practical strategies that can be used in daily life. This may include adapting activities, modifying the environment, using visual supports, offering choices or identifying new approaches to challenging routines.
To join our Autism Services, the following is required:
- The child must have a medical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- For in home services, the family must reside in Dane County.
- All services are in-network with GHC-SCW Commercial Plans. To learn what other insurance plans are accepted, please contact us at (608) 441-3290 or contact your insurance provider directly.
If you think your child meets all the requirements, talk to their Primary Care Provider and ask for a referral to the program. All Autism services require a referral from a Primary Care Provider and insurance prior authorization.
Diagnostic Evaluations
We provide comprehensive diagnostic/developmental evaluations for concerns related to possible Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or Intellectual Disability. Differential diagnostic questions are appropriate when ASD is being considered. Specific concerns may be related to developmental delays, social difficulties, sensory processing problems and behavior problems. We do not conduct Neuropsychological Evaluations. Learning disability assessments are also out of scope.
GHC providers: Please submit the Order through Epic
If you are a non-GHC-SCW in-network provider, please use the online form here:
