I have a friend in Texas with a 30 year old son with autism. He has a variety of medical conditions that doctors can’t diagnose and treat properly because they’re not trained in treating patients with autism spectrum disorders. Where can my friend find some relief?
Your friend may want to consider seeking support from a medical facility that specializes in treating individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In Texas, there are several options available, including:
- Texas Children’s Hospital Autism Center: This center provides comprehensive care for children and adults with autism, including diagnostic evaluations, medical management, and behavioral therapy.
- Dell Children’s Medical Center: This medical center has a developmental pediatrics program that provides evaluation and treatment for children with developmental disabilities, including autism.
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth): UTHealth has an autism center that provides comprehensive care for individuals with ASD, including medical evaluations and treatments.
- The Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD): CARD has locations throughout Texas and provides diagnostic evaluations, behavioral therapy, and medical consultations for individuals with ASD.
Your friend may also want to consider joining a support group for parents of children with autism. These groups can provide emotional support, as well as valuable resources and information about treatment options.
It’s important for your friend to work closely with a healthcare provider who has experience treating individuals with ASD and understands the unique challenges associated with the condition. By seeking specialized care, your friend can help ensure that her son receives the best possible treatment and support.
Which organizations treat the physical health-related issues common to adult autistics?
There are several organizations that focus on providing medical care and support for adults with autism and related conditions. Here are a few options to consider:
- Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network (ATN): ATN is a network of hospitals and clinics across the United States that provides comprehensive medical care for individuals with autism. They offer a range of services, including diagnosis and treatment of physical health issues that are common in people with autism.
- The Autism Society: The Autism Society is a national organization that provides information and resources for individuals with autism and their families. They have a specific program called the Health Initiative, which aims to improve access to healthcare for individuals with autism, including addressing physical health concerns.
- The National Autistic Society (NAS): The NAS is a UK-based organization that provides support and services for individuals with autism and their families. They offer a range of resources related to physical health, including information on common medical issues and advice on accessing healthcare.
- The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN): ASAN is a US-based organization run by and for individuals with autism. While they do not provide medical services themselves, they advocate for better access to healthcare and work to raise awareness of the unique healthcare needs of people with autism.
It’s important to note that access to specialized medical care for adults with autism can vary depending on where you live and what resources are available in your area. Your friend may need to do some research to find local organizations or healthcare providers who can provide the specific care and support her son needs.
Are there any medical providers like that in the San Antonio area?
Yes, there are several medical providers in the San Antonio area that specialize in providing care for individuals with autism and related conditions. Here are a few options to consider:
- The Autism Community Network (ACN): ACN is a nonprofit organization in San Antonio that provides a range of services for individuals with autism, including medical care, behavioral therapy, and support groups for families. They have a team of medical professionals who specialize in treating physical health issues in individuals with autism.
- The UT Health San Antonio Department of Psychiatry: This department at UT Health San Antonio provides comprehensive care for individuals with autism, including medical evaluations, medication management, and psychotherapy. They have a team of psychiatrists and psychologists who specialize in treating autism and related conditions.
- The Center for Autism Research, Evaluation and Service (CARES): CARES is a center at the University of Texas at San Antonio that provides a range of services for individuals with autism, including medical evaluations and treatments, behavioral therapy, and parent training. They have a team of medical professionals who specialize in treating physical health issues in individuals with autism.
- The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio Autism Treatment Center: This center provides a range of services for children and adults with autism, including medical evaluations and treatments, behavioral therapy, and support groups for families. They have a team of medical professionals who specialize in treating physical health issues in individuals with autism.
Your friend may want to contact these providers directly to learn more about the specific services they offer and whether they can provide the care her son needs. Additionally, her son’s primary care physician or pediatrician may be able to provide referrals to local providers who specialize in treating autism and related conditions.
For the organizations listed here, can you provide links to their websites?
Yes, here are the links to the websites of the organizations mentioned earlier:
- Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network (ATN): https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/treatment/autism-treatment-network
- The Autism Society: https://www.autism-society.org/
- The National Autistic Society (NAS): https://www.autism.org.uk/
- The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN): https://autisticadvocacy.org/
And for the San Antonio area providers:
- The Autism Community Network (ACN): https://www.acn-sa.org/
- The UT Health San Antonio Department of Psychiatry: https://lsom.uthscsa.edu/psychiatry/clinical-services/autism-spectrum-disorders/
- The Center for Autism Research, Evaluation and Service (CARES): https://education.utsa.edu/cares/
- The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio Autism Treatment Center: https://www.christushealth.org/childrens/clinical-programs-services/specialties-services/autism-treatment-center
I hope these links are helpful for your friend and her son!