Autism is characterized by impaired development of social relationships, delays in development of language and communication, and behavioral patterns of repetitive actions that are not functional or preoccupations with objects or parts of objects. By the age of 3 years, there is a delay in the development of social interactions, communication and/or play behaviors.
 

Aspergers-Aspergers is characterized by impaired development of social interactions and behavioral patterns of repetitive actions that serve no understandable purpose or that are seen as preoccupations with objects or parts of objects. Language development is, however, not effected.
 

The Center conducts diagnostic assessments that employ state-of-the-art methods, including the ADI-R, Direct Observations, the CARS, the ASDS, medical and educational records reviews, and adaptive behavior scales. When appropriate and needed, additional assessments of cognitive ability can be done, as well as more structured direct observations with the ADOS (after August 2008). The Center intends to implement the Ohio Autism Project’s recommendations when they become available. The cost of the diagnostic assessment is a standard fee, which includes the assessment procedures, a written report, a consultation with the family, and a consultation with the pediatrician or family physician.

ABA is a method of teaching skills to children, in particular those with autism, that relies on managing rewards to reinforce the use of language, social behaviors, and the decrease of repetitive or inappropriate behaviors. Often skills are broken down into discrete steps and taught in such a way that each step triggers the next, so that the child becomes independent in the use of the skills. Ongoing analysis of the acquisition of the skills or management of the behaviors is a hallmark of ABA, allowing for teaching methods and rewards to be modified as needed by the individual child.