Autism Inpatient Care
Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) display a wide range of intellectual and language abilities, experiences, strengths, and levels of functioning. Many children and adolescents with ASD can be treated in community and home settings. However, the need for intensive behavioral and pharmacological treatment in the hospital setting may be needed.
The Autism Inpatient Unit is designed to care for individuals who display severe and treatment-resistant behavioral disorders (e.g., aggression, self-injury), or who have experienced a decline in their usual level of psychiatric functioning. As the highest level of care, inpatient treatment is most appropriate for children and adolescents who have exhausted available care in the community and are in acute behavioral crisis.
How We Treat
Our multidisciplinary team develops an individualized treatment plan upon admission to address specific behavioral, medical, and emotional needs. We collaborate with you, your child’s school, and any community providers to develop an individual behavioral intervention and treatment plan to improve your child’s safety and stability. We utilize the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and medication evaluation and management to reach your child’s goals.
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA):
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) uses positive learning techniques and principles to facilitate growth and improve safety.
Therapy and Rehabilitation:
Therapeutic recreation specialists, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists work collaboratively with our behavior analysts to provide group treatment to address recreation and play, communication, and self-care skills.
Parent Training:
Intensive parent training assists caregivers in practicing behavior management in the safety of our unit.
Educational Activities:
Educational activities are implemented throughout your child’s highly structured day. School district-funded tutoring may also be provided.
Program Highlights
- We are the only inpatient provider in the region that accepts patients through 21 years old.
- Our multidisciplinary team of experts are leaders in treating moderate to severe symptoms associated with ASD.
- Our inpatient and partial hospital facility is designed specifically for children and adolescents with ASD. The facility has its own dedicated entrance and welcoming center, and an outdoor recreation area, all in a welcoming, therapeutic milieu.
- 89% of patients remain home 180 days after discharge.
Admissions
The inpatient unit is designed for an acute short-term length of stay determined by medical necessity, your child’s individual needs, and discharge planning factors. To be considered for admission your child must fit the following criteria:
- Be ages 7 – 21 years (younger children will be considered on a case-by-case basis), children over 18 must be conserved
- Have a documented primary diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- For CT residents, have documentation of autism diagnosis by a psychologist or other clinical provider outside the school setting, which includes one of the following diagnostic tests: ADOS-2, CARS-2, or GARS-2
- Display self-injury, aggression, problem sexual behavior, or other severe behavior problems that impair functioning
The inpatient program has the capacity to accept admissions of patients with some medical comorbidities including neurological disorders, wounds, or a hearing or visual impairment. Please contact our admissions coordinator directly for more details.
Discharge
Discharge planning begins upon admission. Your child will be discharged back to the home environment. Our team will collaborate with your child’s prescriber, our outpatient services team, and community providers to support medication management, and maintaining goals.