Health Sense Magazine

CLINIC GIVES HOPE TO CHILDREN WITH THE CHALLENGES OF AUTISM. As the number of children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum disorder (ASD)—including Autism, Asperger's Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified—continues to grow, more and more parents face the daily responsibilities of raising a child with an ASD. The Child Development Clinic, part of KishHealth System's Behavioral Health Services at 760 Foxpointe Drive in Sycamore, has expanded to now have staff with specialized training to meet the needs of these children and families. A COMPREHENSIVE RESOURCE The Child Development Clinic offers a full range of behavioral health services for children with ASDs, including diagnostic evaluations and therapy. Each child's visit begins with an initial intake appointment with the clinician. During this time, the family shares information about their child, his or her unique strengths, unique needs, and treatment goals. A clinician meets with each child and his or her family to develop targeted strategies to address areas of need identified by the family. These strategies may include: ◗ developing conversation skills ◗ managing strong emotions ◗ reducing feelings of nervousness and anxiety ◗ teaching conflict resolution and problem-solving skills TREATING AUTISM FROM EVERY ANGLE The Child Development Clinic also takes advantage of family and group therapy to involve parents in their child's treatment and engage him or her with other same-age peers who have similar difficulties. These sessions help improve social skills and provide a safe environment for children to practice with peers. When physical, occupational, or speech therapy is recommended, the Child Development Clinic partners with Unlimited Performance Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, a department of Kishwaukee Community Hospital, to seamlessly incorporate these services into the child's treatment plan. "The addition of Dr. Erkfritz [Karyn N. Erkfritz, PhD, child clinical psychologist at KishHealth Child Development Clinic] has expanded our ability to provide specialized child and family services for more complex developmental concerns," says Kim Volk, director, Behavioral Health Services for KishHealth System. "Our multidisciplinary team approach to care ensures the best possible outcomes for the child and family." kishhealth system DEKALB COUNTY STRUGGLING Putting Autism in FOCUS AND FAMILIES IN Fa/W i 2012 THE KISHHEALTH CHILD DEVELOPMENT WHAT IS AUTISM? Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) refers collectively to three different diagnoses: Autism, Asperger's Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified. ASDs are complex neurological disorders that affect three main areas: social interactions, communication, and restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. It is considered a spectrum disorder, meaning there is a wide range of abilities and areas of difficulty. Children with the same diagnosis may have very different needs. In general, children with ASDs may experience: ◗ delayed development of speech and communication skills ◗ inability to read nonverbal social cues ◗ a strong interest in an activity or topic that may not be shared by peers "Children with ASDs may struggle with making and keeping friends," says Karyn N. Erkfritz, PhD, child clinical psychologist at KishHealth Child Development Clinic. "Interventions that directly teach important social skills can improve peer relationships." To learn more about the Child Development Clinic, visit www.kishhospital.org/childdevelopment. www.kishhealth.org 11

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