Recognizing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in adults can be a crucial step towards accessing appropriate support and understanding oneself better. Established in 2022, the Mary W. Parker Autism Center at the Institute of Living is dedicated to offering comprehensive, evidence-based, multidisciplinary care for individuals across the lifespan, including specialized adult autism diagnosis in Connecticut. Our mission is deeply rooted in serving individuals, families, and communities throughout Connecticut by providing exceptional clinical services, advancing research, and fostering education in the field of autism.
Services Offered for Adults Seeking Autism Diagnosis in Connecticut
The Mary W. Parker Autism Center delivers a range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of adults seeking autism diagnosis and ongoing support in Connecticut:
- Comprehensive Psychological and Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluations for ASD: We offer thorough assessments specifically designed for adults who suspect they may be on the autism spectrum.
- Individual Outpatient Therapy: Personalized therapy sessions are available to address the unique challenges and strengths of adults with ASD.
- Medication Management Services: Our psychiatrists provide expert medication management for co-occurring mental health conditions that adults with autism may experience.
- Speech-Language Pathology Services: We offer specialized speech and language therapy to support communication and social skills in adults.
- Consultation Services: Our team is available for consultations to discuss concerns, answer questions, and guide individuals and families.
Our team comprises highly skilled healthcare professionals with expertise in diagnosing, assessing, and treating autism spectrum disorder in adults, alongside children and adolescents. We also address co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, which are frequently experienced by adults with ASD.
*At the Mary W. Parker Autism Center, we respect the diverse preferences within the autistic community and use both person-first language (e.g., “person with autism”) and identity-first language (e.g., “autistic person”). We honor individual patient preferences regarding terminology.
Understanding Adult Autism Diagnosis Evaluations in Connecticut
Diagnostic Evaluations for ASD in Adults
For adults in Connecticut seeking clarity about a possible autism diagnosis, the Mary W. Parker Autism Center offers comprehensive evaluations:
- Psychological and psychiatric diagnostic evaluations for ASD utilizing gold-standard tools such as the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition), alongside cognitive testing and thorough assessment of co-occurring symptoms and adaptive behavior. This ensures an accurate and nuanced understanding of each individual’s profile.
- Comprehensive reports and personalized treatment recommendations are provided following the evaluation, offering a clear roadmap for next steps.
- Structured feedback sessions are conducted to discuss evaluation findings in detail, answer questions, and ensure a collaborative approach to care planning.
Outpatient Therapy for Adults with Autism in Connecticut
We welcome referrals for adults in Connecticut seeking individual outpatient therapy. Our therapists specialize in evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approaches to address common challenges faced by adults with ASD, including:
- Anxiety Disorders: Addressing social anxiety, generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), specific phobias, and panic disorder.
- Depression: Providing support and strategies to manage depressive symptoms.
- Social Skills Development: Enhancing social understanding and interaction skills crucial for navigating social situations and relationships.
- Transition to Adulthood and Independent Living Skills: Supporting adults in developing skills for greater independence in areas such as daily living, work, and community participation.
Medication Management for Adults with ASD
- We accept referrals for adults in Connecticut needing ongoing medication management services to treat psychiatric symptoms that may be associated with an autism diagnosis. Our psychiatrists are experienced in psychopharmacology for adults with ASD.
Speech-Language Pathology for Adults
- Our speech-language pathology services include evaluation and treatment of speech and language differences and challenges commonly experienced by autistic adults, focusing on practical communication skills for daily life.
Meet Our Expert Team
Michal Assaf, MD
Director of Research, Mary W. Parker Autism Center
Dr. Assaf’s extensive background in neuropsychiatry research, with a focus on autism spectrum disorder, brings a wealth of knowledge to the Mary W. Parker Autism Center. Her research aims to deepen the understanding of neural mechanisms underlying social and emotional cognition in ASD, utilizing advanced neuroimaging techniques. Her work is critical in developing targeted interventions for adults with autism.
Amelia Donahoe M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Ms. Donahoe’s expertise in speech-language pathology is invaluable to our adult autism services. Her experience working with autistic individuals across various settings, including supporting non-speaking individuals with Augmentative-Alternative Communication (AAC), ensures comprehensive and neurodiversity-affirming language therapy for adults.
Lovejit Kaur, MD
(She/Her/Hers)
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Institute of Living/Hartford HealthCare
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, University of Connecticut School of Medicine
Dr. Kaur is a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist with experience in treating mental health disorders associated with ASD across different levels of care. Her specialization in psychopharmacological management is particularly beneficial for adults with autism who experience co-occurring psychiatric conditions. Her ability to connect with diverse populations enhances our center’s inclusivity.
Robert Sahl, MD
Medical Director, Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Services, Institute of Living/Hartford Hospital
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, University of Connecticut School of Medicine
Dr. Sahl, with over 30 years of experience in child and adolescent psychiatry and neurodevelopmental disorders, provides expert psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adults at the Mary W. Parker Autism Center. His extensive clinical experience and commitment to training future psychiatrists contribute significantly to the center’s mission.
Advancing Autism Research
The Mary W. Parker Autism Center is committed to advancing the understanding of autism through its Research Program, collaborating with the Institute of Living’s Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center and other units. Our research is crucial in developing more effective and personalized treatment options for adults with ASD, grounded in robust neuroscientific evidence.
|
