A Life-changing Diagnosis

The diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder

(ASD) is life-changing, and impacts the affected
childs immediate and extended family. These
family members may experience significant
stress related to caring for the child, including
emotional and financial challenges related
to family functioning, school and work.
Appropriate and reliable support systems are
vital to help families deal with the complex
challenges that result from ASD.

Comprehensive Care and

Support

Childrens Hospital of Michigan

3901 Beaubien
Detroit, MI 48201

Childrens Hospital of Michigan provides

comprehensive services to improve the quality
of life for children with Autism Spectrum
Disorders (ASD) and their families. Our
multidisciplinary team:
Assists with the coordination of
comprehensive, evidence-based, assessment,
treatment and support for children with
ASD and their families.
Extends the knowledge and capabilities of
local professionals and thereby enhances their
capabilities to provide services.
Enhances the overall distribution of
information to people involved in studying,
treating and supporting children with ASD
by organizing both the flow of information
and distribution of effort and resources
dedicated to ASD.
Strengthens basic
and translational
ASD research
locally and
nationally.

Childrens Hospital of Michigan

Specialty Center Novi
41935 W. Twelve Mile Road, Suite 202
Novi, MI 48377
For more information or to schedule
an appointment, please call (248) 305-6172 or
e-mail gdeboard@dmc.org
www.childrensdmc.org/autism

CHM 11/2012

Childrens Hospital of Michigan

Autism Center

Evaluation Services

At the Autism Center, children undergo

comprehensive evaluations by our
multidisciplinary team of experts. A nurse
coordinator helps families navigate through
the evaluation process. The core evaluation
team consists of a neurologist, psychologist
and speech therapist who use state-of-the-art
diagnostic and assessment tools to determine
appropriate classification and treatment.
Children with additional needs also have access
to other specialists for genetic, gastroenterology
and sleep related issues, as appropriate.

Parent Education Seminars

Educational lectures for parents to enhance the

quality of living for their child and family.

Organizational Education
Seminars

Educational lectures for providers, including

health care professionals, educators, direct
care workers, preschool staff and additional
organizations.

Research Initiatives

Opportunities to participate in the latest

research will be provided and coordinated with
the service.

Community Education
Programming

Collaboration and encouragement of academic

programs to further developments in the field of
autism, including higher
learning internships,
practicum placements,
coursework and local
district professional
development.

Early Intensive Behavioral

Intervention Preschool Program
Full Day Center Based Program in Novi
Monday through Friday
Ages 2-6 years
Hours: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Half Day Center Based Program in Novi
Monday through Friday
Ages 2-6 years
Hours: 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m.
Ages 2-10 years
Hours: 4:30 to 7 p.m.
Programs follow a traditional school calendar and
additional summer weeks.
Now accepting applications for children with
autism ages 2-6 years,
Full-day, one-on-one therapy based upon
Applied Behavior Analysis teaching techniques
Customized treatment plans based upon each
childs needs
Highly qualified staff with extensive training
and supervision by on-site Behavioral Services
Director
Integrated with an on-site general education
preschool

Behavior Consultation and

Treatment Planning

Our highly-trained team can provide parent

and staff training or consult with schools on
individualized education plans to assist children
of all ages with problem behaviors, including:
Problems in School
Food Refusal
Toileting
Non-Compliance
Sleeping Difficulties
Problems with Social Skills

Multidisciplinary Expertise
Diane Chugani, PhD, Autism Center Director,

Chief, Division of Pharmacology/Toxicology, Director of

the Translational Imaging Lab, Professor of Pediatrics,
Radiology and Pharmacology, has studied the pathogenesis
of autism and worked with families for the past decade.
Most recently, Dr. Chugani was awarded a $5.8 million
Autism Center of Excellence Network grant to conduct
a five-year clinical trial study of a promising new
pharmacological therapy that could significantly improve
outcomes for children with autism.

Michael E. Behen, PhD, Assistant Professor of

Pediatrics and Neurology, Licensed Clinical Psychologist,

with formal training from Wayne State University, provides
comprehensive psychological, developmental, and
behavioral assessment protocols in order to determine
classification and treatment recommendations. He is
also involved in training, research, and consultation for
behavioral treatment protocols at the center.

Geralyn DeBoard, Administrative Director, has been

in public education administration in the Detroit area for
more than ten years. She provides the multidisciplinary
team members general and educational support.

Krista Kennedy, MS, LLP, Director of Behavioral

Services, with formal training in applied Behavioral
Analysis from Western Michigan University and Eastern
Michigan University. She has provided behavioral
intervention in the field for the last 10 years specializing
in work with children who have autism and other
developmental disabilities. Krista oversees all behavioral
treatment programs.

These experts are backed by additional Childrens Hospital

specialists in pediatrics, neurology, genetic and metabolic
disorders, psychology, speech-language pathology and
occupational therapy.