A University and Community Resource
At University of Houston-Clear Lake's Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, we play a crucial role both in teaching future leaders in the field while supporting families in the surrounding community. Our mission at the center is to support research on autism and developmental disabilities; train current and future professionals in the fields of behavior analysis; psychology; and marriage and family therapy; and provide services and resources to children, teens, adults and their families through partnerships with community organizations.
Tailoring the Treatment
A caring staff of therapists, graduate students and volunteers at UHCL's Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities see more than 100 families a year who struggle with behavioral aspects of autism or other developmental disabilities. A staff member will first assess the child, teen, or adult to identify causes for the difficulties, and then tailor a treatment plan for each individual to encourage more appropriate, successful behavior. As a significant component of each treatment, we also teach parents or teachers how to implement these new behavioral strategies.
Our Goals
- To support research on autism and developmental disabilities
- To train current and future professionals
- To provide services to children, teens, adults and their families through partnerships with community organizations
Our Programs
Graduate students in the School Psychology Program provide comprehensive evaluations for students on the autism spectrum under the supervision of faculty at the UHCL Psychological Services clinic. The evaluations are designed to identify the student's condition, describe functioning levels across several domains, and make recommendations for intervention based on student needs and research-based practices.
For more information, contact Dr. Thomas Schanding at SchandingJr@UHCL.edu
The Connecting to College program is designed to provide supports for UHCL students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and related needs.
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 Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities and in the community.
Graduate students in the Behavior Analysis program provide services to students and teachers in local school districts.
For more information, contact Dr. Dorothea Lerman at lerman@uhcl.edu
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. Dr. Jennifer N. Fritz, BCBA-D is the director of the clinic and oversees all services.
Learn MoreThe 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 A. 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 vbclinic@uhcl.edu.
The Vocational Skills Assessment and Training Program conducts assessments of skills critical to successful employment and provides individualized training of job-related skills.