Lighthouse Autism Center Expands Diagnostic Testing Services to Improve Access and Reduce Wait Times

Lighthouse Autism Center is excited to announce the expansion of its diagnostic testing services, aimed at providing families with quicker access to autism evaluations. This enhancement is part of our ongoing commitment to deliver timely and comprehensive autism assessments and support across the communities we serve.

The Importance of Early Intervention in Autism

At Lighthouse Autism Center, we understand that early intervention is vital for children with autism. To improve access to crucial services, we have expanded our diagnostic program, which now features a team of licensed clinical social workers and master’s level clinicians who specialize in autism assessments, including the CARS 2 and ADOS-2 tools. Leading our program is Dr. Stephanie Luallin, PhD, HSPP, a clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience in the field. Dr. Luallin completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the renowned Indiana University School of Medicine’s Riley Hospital for Children’s Autism Clinic and is recognized for her published research on best practices for autism assessment and diagnosis.

Reducing Wait Times for Autism Evaluations

Many families seeking autism evaluations have reported waiting over a year for appointments with other providers. Recognizing this significant barrier, Lighthouse Autism Center has taken action to reduce wait times and increase appointment availability. Families can now expect to secure an evaluation in as little as two weeks, contingent upon submitting the necessary documentation. By adding more qualified clinicians to our team, we are able to offer more appointments, resulting in less time waiting for families.

Quality Assessments from Experienced Professionals

Our expanded diagnostic team comprises licensed specialists, each with a minimum of 10 years of experience working specifically with children on the autism spectrum. These professionals collaborate closely with the child’s primary care physician, parents, guardians, and other key individuals to ensure a comprehensive evaluation process. This thorough approach guarantees that families receive the highest quality of care and support during the diagnostic journey.

Why Timely Diagnoses Are Essential

Research has consistently shown that early diagnosis of autism can lead to significantly better outcomes. Timely evaluations empower families with the information and resources necessary to navigate their child’s journey effectively. By streamlining the diagnostic process, Lighthouse Autism Center aims to enhance the potential for children with autism to develop essential skills and thrive.

About Lighthouse Autism Center

Founded in 2012 by parents of a child with autism, Lighthouse Autism Center has emerged as a leader in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy and comprehensive autism support services. Our mission combines compassionate care with clinical excellence, offering a range of services, including diagnostic assessments, speech therapy, social skills groups, parent support, and community education. Our commitment to early intervention and personalized care enables children with autism to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.

Lighthouse Autism Center Launches Innovative Special Education Program to Boost School Readiness for Children with Autism

Lighthouse Autism Center is thrilled to announce the launch of its new Special Education Program, designed specifically to support learners with autism as they develop essential skills for school success. This initiative highlights our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality therapy that prepares children not only for their time at Lighthouse but also for their transition into mainstream school environments.

Empowering Transitions: A Focus on Success

At Lighthouse Autism Center, we are proud to report that 95% of our learners transition successfully into typical school settings upon graduation from our center-based programs. We have always collaborated closely with each child’s school to ensure smooth transitions. With the introduction of our Special Education Program, we are taking this commitment further by adding a dedicated team of special education teachers who will provide even more support to our learners and their families.

Key Focus Areas of the Special Education Program

Our Special Education Program is built around several core areas that are crucial for school readiness:

Early Literacy and Numeracy

Our curriculum encompasses English Language Arts (ELA), Math, and STEM activities, all designed to build a strong foundation in academic skills that are essential for future learning.

Social Skills Development

Through engaging games and collaborative play, children will learn vital communication skills, how to share, and the art of building friendships.

Fine Motor Skills

Our art activities are tailored to help learners follow one- and two-step directions while working with various materials, enhancing their fine motor skills in a fun and creative way.

Gross Motor Skills

Our music and physical education programs are designed to boost coordination and imitation skills, promoting physical fitness and teamwork among learners.

Exciting Examples of Our Educational Programs

• ELA/Letters and Math/Numbers: Structured lessons focusing on letter recognition, word identification, counting, and basic math skills.
• STEM: Hands-on experiments that spark curiosity and exploration, helping learners grasp fundamental concepts about the world around them.
• Art: Adaptive materials are used to enhance fine motor skills while exploring colors and shapes.
• Music: Rhythm and imitation activities allow children to express themselves creatively while developing gross motor skills.
• Physical Education: Movement activities that foster body awareness and coordination through engaging warm-ups and games.

Supporting Families Through Transition

A key component of the Lighthouse program is our dedication to ensuring a successful transition back to school. Families can work closely with their child’s clinical team, including our Special Education Department, to receive guidance throughout the school enrollment process and Individualized Education Program (IEP) development. We will collaborate with the child’s new educational team to provide feedback and clinical recommendations, ensuring a smooth transition back to the classroom.

About Lighthouse Autism Center

Founded in 2012 by parents of a child with autism, Lighthouse Autism Center is a leading provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. Our holistic approach combines compassionate care with clinical excellence, offering a range of services, including ABA therapy, diagnostic assessments, speech therapy, social skills groups, parent training, and community education. With a focus on early intervention and personalized care, we empower children with autism to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.