Autism and Developmental Disorders Center of Southern Washington (ACSW)

After having worked together for many years, we are happy to announce that we are offering a team approach for the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum and other developmental disorders in infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, and adults.  We combine formal assessment with home and school observations, as well as information gathered from a variety of other natural settings, to produce a functional assessment with the emphasis on behavioral, communication, and sensory integration issues.  Upon completion of a written evaluation emphasizing practical recommendations, we meet with parents, teachers, and placement staffs, to explain our results and begin the ongoing consulting and advocacy program.  Reports are provided to referring health care providers.  We will assist with insurance claims.

12-Hour Parenting Class

Our 12-hour parenting class utilizes a combination of approaches including Parenting With Love and Logic and Parent Effectiveness Training.  Additional information and materials will be provided depending of the needs of parents for specialized parenting challenges.

The class consists of six 2-hour meetings.  Enrollment is open so parents may join the class at any time.  The basic concepts of child development and effective parenting apply to children of all ages.  Upon completion of the class, parents will have an understanding of the essential approaches needed for children of all ages, from infancy through adolescence and adult life.

The curriculum addresses the natural life history of the person within the cultural diversity of the American experience.  The focus is on the developmental tasks of children from conception through emancipation, and how parents can promote speech and language development, cognitive functioning, problem-solving, healthy relationships, self-esteem, and academic achievement, on the path to independent functioning.

Special parenting challenges including difficult toilet training, acting-out, self-injurious behavior, nightmares, anxiety, anger management, emerging romantic relationships, experimentation with substances, and other issues will also be addressed.  Parents who have more significant challenges than can be addressed in this class will be referred to our Parenting Class for Children With Special Needs, which is similar to this class but includes more in-depth clinical training.  Parents may also be referred to our diagnostic and treatment services.

Instructor: Jeffrey E. Foster, M.S., M.A., L.M.F.T.