In light of the COVID-19 crisis, the Child Mind Institute’s clinical practice is operating via telehealth, with in-office appointments available upon request.

The Autism Center at the Child Mind Institute is an integrated clinical center and research lab dedicated to supporting toddlers, children, adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder and related challenges, including social (pragmatic) communication disorder and non-verbal learning disorder (NVLD).

Learn more about our research lab

Our clinical program offers a 360-degree approach to supporting patients of all ages with autism and their families. Our multi-disciplinary teams are equipped to offer families unrivaled expertise in understanding and meeting the needs of toddlers, children, adolescents and young adults with autism and related challenges and helping them thrive

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder
• Non-Verbal Learning Disorder (NVLD)
• Conditions once called Asperger’s Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD)

We focus on identifying and understanding your child’s symptoms and unique challenges. We carefully consider which treatment options may be of the most help. Our services are indicated for children who struggle with:

• Making friends and maintaining friendships
• Understanding the perspective of someone else
• Being flexible and open-minded
• Managing big and complex emotions
• Tolerating changes to preferred routines and preferences
• Independently completing routines (morning and evening)

When medication may be helpful, we work with our team of board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrists or collaborate with your physician. Our psychiatrists offer expert consultation on whether medication can improve treatment outcomes and provide ongoing medication management when requested.

• Social Kids Club: Weekly virtual social skills program. Children and adolescents are paired with 2 or 3 peers for 6-week group session module. Peers are matched by age and interest.
  Ages 8–18 years old
• TURNN Group: TURNN (Tolerating Uncertainty and Returning to a New Normal) is an 8-session weekly group. Content is specific to coping with issues related to COVID-19 and building the necessary skills to successfully transition from home back into the community.
  Ages 9 and older
• Bridges Parent Coaching: 6-session program that bridges skills from the child’s existing service programs (EI, CPSE, private ABA) into daily life by coaching parents on ways to set up the home and interact with their children to promote joint engagement, communication, interaction and functional play skills.
  Ages 0–5 years old
• Milestone Daily Living Skills Support: 6-session program targeted to improve specific adaptive or daily living skills, such as: toilet training, sleep, personal hygiene, dressing, home safety and wearing a mask.
  All ages
• Let’s Talk Autism: 4-session program specifically for parents and caregivers of individuals on the spectrum. Includes a review of evidence-based treatment and educational programming, how to continue programming during this time of crisis, strategies that can be used at home to set children up for success, and tools for navigating the IEP/educational planning process.
  All ages

• Behavior Therapy Service
• Home and Community Services
• Speech and Language Therapy

Children with autism spectrum disorder sometimes require support from a variety of professionals. We can help connect families to additional services in the community, including early intervention, vocational services, support groups, occupational therapy, and other providers. Our Service Navigator has specialized knowledge of the options and opportunities within the New York City metropolitan area.