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Specialized Residential Treatment

Specialized Residential Treatment

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Through our Discovery Program, Laurel Heights Hospital provides highly specialized residential treatment for child & adolescent males ages 8–17 who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and who demonstrate severe behavioral difficulties and psychiatric illnesses.

Our primary treatment objective is to teach new skills and behaviors that allow our patients to meet their needs in positive ways, and to reduce severe behaviors such as self-injury or aggression. We also offer medication management services as needed. Our goal is to help your child return to their home community as soon as possible and to facilitate a shorter length of stay than a patient might expect through our inpatient treatment program.

We incorporate proven, data-driven therapeutic approaches to help our male patients step onto the path to recovery. Our Discovery Program also incorporates training for parents/guardians and family members to help ensure continuity of care beyond your child’s time at our facility. Treatment includes medication management and a treatment plan for discharge from Laurel Heights Hospital.

Programming Includes:

  • A staff-to-patient ratio of one direct care staff member for every five patients during waking hours
  • Individualized communication systems such as sign language, Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS©) and assistive technology devices
  • Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA)
  • Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP)
  • Reinforcement-based interventions
  • Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills for ABLLS entry
  • Programming for generalization of skills across staff, settings, and materials
  • Individualized social skills intervention
  • Graphic representations of student performance
  • Technology-assisted learning
  • Daily living skills instruction and specialized community outings

Our Multidisciplinary Approach

Comprehensive care begins with our highly skilled staff. Together, they provide young people with a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Our staff members include:

  • Board-certified and licensed child psychiatrists
  • Licensed therapists
  • Licensed registered nurses
  • Board-certified behavior analysts (BCBA)
  • Certified recreational therapists

Education

Children and adolescents attend school year-round through Laurel Heights Academy. Each patient’s treatment program also incorporates two hours of recreational therapy per day that emphasizes activities to increase social skills, leisure skills and fine and gross motor skills. Students participate in weekly community-based instruction to increase these skills in a variety of settings.

Educational services include:

  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
  • Verbal Behavior Analysis (VBA)
  • Natural Environment Teaching (NET) and task analysis training
  • Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
  • Discrete Trial Teaching (DDT)

We’re Here to Help

Laurel Heights Hospital’s professional staff are ready to help find the best treatment options for your child. Call 404-888-5475 for a no-cost, confidential assessment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you need immediate medical assistance, contact 911 or seek the nearest emergency room.