The UHCL Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities is composed of faculty and students in the Behavior Analysis, School Psychology, and Early Childhood Education graduate programs at UHCL. Its purpose is to train current and future professionals in ABA techniques and assessment, and to provide services to children and their families through partnerships with community organizations. Through CADD, graduate students in the Behavior Analysis program provide services to children and teachers in Clear Creek, Pasadena, and Pearland Independent School Districts. For more information, contact Dr. Dorothea Lerman at [email protected].
Autism Assessment Services
Graduate students in the School Psychology and Clinical Psychology Programs provide evaluations for children and adults on the autism spectrum under the supervision of faculty at the UHCL Psychological Services clinic. The evaluations are designed to identify the individual’s condition, describe functioning levels across several domains, and make recommendations for intervention based on individual needs and research-based practices. For more information, contact uhclpsc@uhcl.edu.
Severe Behavior Disorders Research Clinic
This clinic offers assessment and treatment services to children of all ages who engage in severe problem behavior, such as self-injurious behavior, aggression, and property destruction. Services will be individualized and provided as part of ongoing studies designed to identify the most effective methods of reducing severe behavior disorders. Following the child’s participation in research, families will receive training in effective behavior management strategies to use at home. For more information, please visit the Severe Behavior Disorders Research Clinic website or contact Dr. Jennifer Fritz at [email protected].
Group and Family Counseling
The Graduate Family Therapy Program is teaming up with CADD to provide therapy services for couples, single parents, and siblings of children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. These services will be focused on managing stress and relationship issues that often arise when caring for a child with special needs. Dr. Matt Brown will oversee these services and conduct ongoing research related to family needs and effective support. For more information please email to [email protected] or call (281) 283-3304.
Verbal Behavior Clinic
The Verbal Behavior clinic provides empirically based individualized services to children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders and their families. These services include assessments, parent training, and the development of teaching procedures relating to language skills. Graduate students in the Applied Behavior Master’s program participate as the primary therapists, and each case is directly supervised by Dr. Sarah Lechago, BCBA-D, director of the clinic. Social skills training, which often includes language skills, is also conducted in the clinic. Services may also be provided in Spanish. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please contact Sarah Lechago at [email protected].
Clinic and Home Services (Project ABA-SkIP)
Children receive individualized training designed to reduce problem behaviors and to develop age-appropriate social, self-help, school readiness and language skills. Family members and caregivers also learn how to continue the training methods at home.
Services are provided at the UHCL Psychological Services Clinic and in the community. In partnership with the Mental Health and Mental Retardation Authority (MHMRA) of Harris County, this project is being funded through a grant awarded by The Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services. To be eligible, children must be between the ages of 3 and 8 and diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. To request services, contact MHMRA Program Manager Melinda B. Benjumea at 713-970-8241. For more information, contact Dr. Dorothea Lerman at [email protected].