Services Available, Division of Pediatric Cardiology in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota

Systematic, evidence-based diagnostic evaluation:

• Compilation and review of existing medical and school records
• A medical/neurologic and neurodevelopmental examination including extensive medical and developmental histories
• Genetic, laboratory and neuro-imaging evaluations as needed
• Parent and school questionnaires and standardized parent interviews and rating scales to get a better understanding of past functioning and current presentation of autistic-like symptoms
• Cognitive (IQ), developmental, adaptive functioning, behavioral, fine-motor and speech/language testing as needed
• ADOS ( A utism D iagnostic O bservation S chedule) testing: an interactive structured behavioral observation of social and communicative behavior and play necessary for the accurate diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorders
• A family interview to explore the impact that the child's behavior has on the family and the family factors influencing the child's functioning
• All aspects of the evaluation are reviewed by a multi-disciplinary team
• A summary conference with parents to review these findings
• Consultations with the other disciplines as needed

Other available services through the Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic:

• Support in finding appropriate treatment programs
• Medication management and medical services around autism-related needs (including ADHD, other developmental and behavioral problems and seizure disorders)
• Individual follow up by developmental behavioral pediatrician, pediatric neurologist or pediatric neuropsychologist as indicated
• Periodic Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic follow up and care management visits

In addition to general clinical services, patients may also have the opportunity to participate in cutting edge research trials.