Autism Clinic and Autism Services

Early detection and early intervention is the best way to help children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other developmental disabilities gain greater independence. Our team works collaboratively with the family to determine a diagnosis and our autism clinic offers support to families and children of all ages who are seeking answers.

Watch our clinic video.

Autism Clinic

Our Autism Diagnostic Clinic consists of a multi-disciplinary team providing a comprehensive evaluation to determine the presence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or other developmental disabilities. The team is comprised of experienced and highly trained professionals, including a bilingual psychologist, occupational therapist and speech-language therapist. Families leave the clinic with a diagnosis and initial treatment guidelines that most appropriately addresses the child’s abilities and challenges.

Although the name of this service is the Autism Diagnostic Clinic, our team is experienced in treatment and diagnosis of a variety of developmental disabilities. Through this service model, we provide families and children with recommendations and a diagnosis that best fits the child. Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley supports the early detection of needs and intervention for young children, but serves a variety of children’s ages. If you have questions or would like to start our intake process, please call Mary Beth Sholtes at 630.261.6287.

How is a Child Evaluated in the Autism Clinic?

We have separated diagnostic testing and discussions into three separate sessions for the benefit of gaining the most accurate view of your child’s abilities as possible. During your first session, a parent interview may occur with a Care Coordinator or Social Worker. On the second day, your child will receive an occupational therapy and speech and language evaluation. These first scheduled assessments will occur in a morning session. On your third day, a play-based and cognitive assessment will occur with a psychologist in the morning. A lunch break will be given, with lunch on your own. In the afternoon of this day, a parent conference will occur with the psychologist to discuss diagnosis and recommendations.

Feedback is often offered the same day as the evaluation with a summary and recommendations the day the child was evaluated. Extra steps are taken to offer consults with schools and other clinicians and individually tailor recommendations. Our psychologist, Dr. Citlaly Gonzalez, makes an effort to outline a few specific and tailored recs, which helps families prioritize next steps. We always give time for questions and additional discussions as every family should walk away empowered in this new journey.

How Do I  Get Started in the Autism Clinic?

Please contact Mary Beth Scholtes at 630.261.6287 to begin the intake process for the Autism Diagnostic Clinic. She will guide you through the process and answer questions regarding necessary registration forms and payment. For bilingual support or if you live in Hanover Township, please contact Brenda Delgado at 847.742.3264.

If you have a current occupational therapy and/or speech therapy evaluation, you may not require an additional assessment by these disciplines. Please share any current reports and evaluations with Mary Beth Scholtes when you call to register.

Powered by Blackbaud
nonprofit software