Autism Services for Teens & Adults- 
Fraser Center of Autism Excellence

Autism is a neurologically-based developmental disability that affects the way a person's brain develops and results in differences in the way a person communicates, behaves and socializes. Autism crosses all ethnic and socioeconomic lines. Approximately four of every five people affected by autism are male.

Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means that symptoms and characteristics present themselves in a wide variety of combinations. Related disorders include Asperger's disorder and Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has called autism a national public health crisis, with 1 in 88 children in the United States on the autism spectrum. Autism is more common than juvenile diabetes, childhood cancer and AIDS combined.

For more detailed information on autism, go to the National Institutes of Health autism information page.

Fraser performs diagnostic evaluations for autism spectrum disorders. Our process has been refined through three decades of working with children, and draws on a broad base of experience in multiple areas of mental health, neuropsychology, rehabilitation, and social work. Fraser staff work with families to determine the right type of evaluation for each individual. Each person is unique, and may have a unique set of issues.

Evaluations for teens and adults consist of a combination of interviews, standardized testing and clinical observation. Fraser actively involves the family in the evaluation process so that they understand the diagnosis.

Immediately following the person's evaluation, clinicians and families review the results together. A report that summarizes the findings and recommendations will be sent to families within 2-4 weeks.

There are typically wait lists for our evaluations. For more information on scheduling an evaluation, click here.

The demand for evaluations can create a wait for families. However, you can access some services immediately. A Fraser Intake Specialist can help you determine what services may be available, and most helpful.

Fraser offers a variety of classes and assessments to all clients so they can get information and access resources quickly. Some of these assessments (i.e. speech assessments, sensory assessments, etc.) help supplement the autism evaluation when it occurs.

Fraser Intake Specialists can help families determine which of these services are covered under their insurance plans.

Fraser offers the following services to teens and young adults with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. These services may be covered or partially covered by private health insurance and Medical Assistance. Contact your insurance provider to determine your individual coverage.

Asperger's Day Treatment — focuses on social emotional development of children and teens, addressing self-esteem, anxiety, mood issues and self-regulation.

Autism Behavioral Aide Services — one-on-one therapy to help children, teens and young adults replace inappropriate behaviors with developmentally appropriate ones.

Autism Case Management — designed to help children and teens on the autism spectrum navigate the complex social service system.

Autism Consultation and Training — consultation and training with schools, agencies and direct care staff to help develop intervention programs and strategies.

Autism Skills Training — services designed to improve specific skills important to a person's daily-living activities and participation in the community. Autism Skills Training can be offered individually, with families, or in groups.

Autism Therapy Services — individual, group and family therapy sessions with licensed psychologists and mental health practitioners.

Behavioral Interventions — Following the principles of Applied Behavioral Analysis, Behavioral Interventions are incorporated into a treatment plan individualized to needs of the individual.

Employment Readiness – Specialized services for work or college-bound adults with executive functioning challenges, including those on the autism spectrum.

Group Social Skills Training — group skills training for children and teens to build social skills and coping strategies.

Home and Community Supports — services include in-home family support, respite care, personal support and personal care assistant (PCA) for children, adolescents and adults.

Partnership Program — provide support services that are not traditionally covered by county or state program funding and are often provided by unpaid family caregivers.

Person-Centered Planning — capturing what is important to a person receiving services in order to maintain or improve his/her quality of life.

TEACCH Consultation — a structured teaching model of intervention developed at the University of North Carolina.

Transition Services – helping teens and young adults to understand and address education, employment, community living, and community integration issues as they transition into adulthood.

Visual Consultation — assists families of children with autism spectrum disorders in designing visual supports and environments.

Housing — A range of housing options for adolescents and adults with a variety of disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders.

Fraser Expertise and Information – For additional information on parenting children with special needs.

Links – Links to more information about autism spectrum disorders and other organizations who serve families dealing with autism.