3160 North Arizona Avenue, Suite 105, Chandler, Arizona 85225
Autism Evaluations and Treatment
Comprehensive Autism Evaluations and Treatment
Ridge Zeller Therapy's comprehensive team approach includes assessments by a psychologist, speech-language therapist, and occupational therapist. Our staff works collaboratively with families to develop a diagnostic plan for each patient, with goals and intervention recommendations designed to meet each individual’s needs.
Our speech-language pathologists are trained in the evaluation and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and qualified to administer the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2, often called the ADOS-2.
We evaluate an individual's communication and social skills and talk with family members and teachers to learn more about the individual's communication in settings such as home, school, or work. The individual and their family members are always part of the team in autism treatment.
Developmental delays that people with ASD experience can include:
- Verbal and/or nonverbal communication delays
- Issues with social skills
- Challenges with daily living skills
Some people with Autism are hard to understand, talk very little, or don’t talk at all.
In some cases, our speech-language pathologists will evaluate an individual's ability to use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to help them communicate. AAC can include sign language, gestures, pictures, buttons or switches, computer tablets, and other electronic devices.
Early diagnosis and treatment are important in maximizing therapy results. If you are concerned about your child's development, we can help. Call us to schedule an evaluation.
We provide therapy service in schools, homes, on-line and in our clinic located in Chandler.
Autism Treatment
Individualized Treatment Plans
Speech-language pathologists play an important role in autism treatment. We will develop an individualized treatment plan to help build communication and social skills in various settings like home, school, and work.
Depending on the person’s needs, treatment plans may include working on some or all of the following:
- Getting along with others in a variety of settings
- Using appropriate communication behaviors
- Taking turns in conversation
- Transitioning from one task or setting to another
- Accepting change and expanding interests, including trying new foods
- Improving reading and writing skills
- Performing daily living tasks
- Improving communication through the use of AAC
Who Will Be My Child's Speech Therapist?
The professional in charge of each individual’s speech-language therapy program is known as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). The SLP will work with each individual to design a program that meets the unique needs of that person. Meaningful activities will be developed to make therapy interesting and effective in meeting goals.