Increase in Autism Statistics

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Emerge

 

 

 

 

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released new data on the statistics of children diagnosed with Autism.  These new statistics reveal an increase from the previous 1 in 110 children (in 2006) to 1 in 88 children.  So what does this increase mean exactly?

If we look back on the history of diagnosing ASD’s many changes have occurred.  Each change “fine-tuning” the process of diagnosing a bit more.  The most significant addition to the diagnostic criteria would be the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule also known as the ADOS.  The ADOS was developed in 1991 and is considered to be the “gold standard” in assessing and diagnosing autism and pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) across ages, developmental levels, and language skills.  It’s “gold standard” reputation is backed up by years of research since it’s development.

The ADOS was developed by Catherine Lord, Ph.D., now Director of the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain in New York.  Dr. Lord developed the ADOS after discovering that the different categories of Autism Spectrum Disorder (Autism, Asperger’s, and PDD-NOS) were being diagnosed differently in different places.  There did not seem to be a standard set to distinguish the three different categories apart.  Dr. Lord decided to create an assessment that would consider several factors such as IQ, expressive language, and social interaction.  The assessment involves unstructured play time and interviewing which is used in conjunction with data from parents to rule out a diagnosis and it takes about 30-45 minutes to administer.

As more and more clinicians become trained in administering the ADOS, the ability to accurately diagnose Autism increases.  And an accurate diagnosis leads to the right treatment for a child and their family.  At Emerge, we have two licensed Psychologists who have been trained under Dr. Catherine Lord to administer the ADOS.

Dr. Huckabee and Dr. Kroncke are both available for an initial consultation to discuss the assessment process.

© Lindsay Van Dusseldorp

 

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Emerge Is Growing!

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Emerge

We are delighted to introduce two therapists who will be joining our experienced staff.  Jennifer Edwards from Seattle, Washington holds a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.  She has worked with Bipolar, Depression, and Borderline Personality Disorder.  Jennifer has a background in both elementary and secondary education and works with youth and adults mostly on family issues.  Jennifer provides Family Therapy, Couples Therapy, Pre-Marital Counseling, and Individual Therapy for Adults, Adolescents and Children.  Working with families who have been affected by autism is a passion of Jennifer’s and she is excited to join the Emerge team.

We would also like to welcome Christina Murphy to our team.  Christina has been working as a Family Preservation Therapist at Griffith Centers for Children providing intensive home based therapy to families, children, adolescents, couples, and special needs populations.  She also has experience providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to children and their families at the Community Reach Center in Thornton, Colorado.  Christina provides Family Therapy, Couples Therapy, Play Therapy, Individual Adult/Child Therapy, and works closely with parents of children with Special Needs.

We are thrilled to welcome both Jennifer and Christina to our caring and dedicated team.   As we grow we continue to offer the following services:

Individual Adult Therapy

Individual Child Therapy

Play Therapy

Family and Couples Therapy

Pre-Marital Counseling

Behavioral Therapy for Families and Individuals Affected by Autism

Parent/Teacher Training

Neuropsychological Evaluations

Psychological Evaluations

Forensic Evaluations

Academic Assessment

Veteran Evaluations

To schedule an appointment with any of our clinicians call our office at (303) 322-9000.

 

© Lindsay Van Dusseldorp

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Psychologist or Post Doctoral Fellow Needed

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Emerge

Emerge in Denver, Colorado is seeking a psychologist for an opening in our growing private practice. This position involves conducting neuropsychological or psychological evaluations for children, teens, and adults and providing outpatient therapy services.  Emerge is actively engaged in training new practitioners and the psychologist or PDF will assist with supervision of practicum students and psychology interns from the University of Denver, the University of Colorado, and other graduate programs. The psychologist or PDF may be called upon to consult on psychological aspects of cases receiving Applied Behavior Analysis services, provide instruction to staff on psychoeducational topics and conduct outreach to the community.

Emerge is a rapidly growing private practice with a reputation for excellent work including difficult cases. We specialize in the assessment and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders, along with pediatric behavior problems and psychological concerns. A team of Applied Behavior Analysts provide in home and in office services to clients with ASD’s and behavior problems at all ages. Assessment and psychotherapy services are provided by Licensed Psychologists along with psychology practicum students and  doctoral level psychology interns. Emerge contracts with numerous insurance agencies, community center boards and other organizations such as Children’s Hospital of Colorado to provide services to the community.

This full or part time position is open to doctoral level practitioners in psychology. While virtually any area of expertise is welcome, the ability to treat children, as well as knowledge of Autism, is preferred. Due to the demand for service that we are experiencing, a new psychologist can expect to have a full case load rapidly. The practice is cohesive, and professionally managed, with a positive and caring approach with colleagues and clients. A comprehensive benefits package is offered. Please visit us at www.emergeprofessionals.com for further information about our practice. We can be reached at 303-322-9000.

Please submit CV to lindsay@emergeprofessionals.com

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Applied Behavior Analysis

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Emerge

So, what do you do if your child has been given an Autism Spectrum Diagnosis? Just as Emerge is able to diagnose we also provide Applied Behavioral Analysis to treat Autism.

Children who participate in early and intensive ABA programming learn many new skills and substantially reduce their problematic behavior. Some children can learn so much that it is hard to tell them apart from typically developing children.

There are many autism treatments available, and most of them claim promising results. But how do you know if these claims are true? Is there concrete evidence that the treatment works? Choosing the right treatment is in the best interest of your child and should be worth the commitment and resources. So the question is: Why ABA?

There are many anecdotes that appear to support numerous treatments. At Emerge we provide treatment that is scientifically proven to get results.

ABA stands out because its foundation is the collection and review of direct observational data. Early and intensive ABA programming is potentially life changing for individuals and their families. It’s a treatment that incorporates a variety of proven techniques such as Incidental Learning, Pivotal Response Treatment, and Verbal Behavior.

Behavior analytic treatment for Autism uses reinforcement in structured and natural environments such as the classroom or home to help individuals learn new skills. Both simple and complex skills are broken down into small, measurable units and systematically taught. In contrast, problem behaviors are not reinforced. Some analysis may be necessary to determine the function and reinforcers for these behaviors to develop an effective intervention plan.

ABA is the service part of the discipline since behavior analysts work with people to improve their behavior and quality of life. A good ABA program is intensive, individualized, and comprehensive. Emerge provides home and school based ABA therapy to work with individuals in their natural environments where the setting for behaviors take place.

Who can put together a comprehensive ABA program? Credentialed professionals in Applied Behavior Analysis are in the best position to provide comprehensive ABA services. All of our clinicians are supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

ABA has been proven to be effective for all individuals with Autism including adults or children who enter treatment at a later age. However, early and intensive treatment is highly recommended.

Emerge offers services to all individuals at any age that could benefit from ABA therapy.

Please call our office at (303) 322-9000 to set up a consultation with our clinicians to discuss your personalized options for ABA services.

 

© Kara Tyree

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