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During Autism Acceptance Month in April, the Children’s Specialized Hospital launched CSH AUTISM, its new Autism Center of Excellence. 

The RWJBarnabas Health facility said the center provides services, training, advocacy and research to support individuals with autism. 

Dr. Malia Beckwith is assistant vice president of ambulatory medical practices and section chief of developmental behavioral pediatrics at CSH. She said this integrated approach sets up patients for success “from diagnosis to intervention and beyond.” 

“The establishment of this Center opens a world of possibilities for those on the Autism spectrum,” Beckwith added in a statement. “We are confident these offerings will create necessary and appreciated support.” 

A CSH representative told NJBIZ May 9 that CSH AUTISM is an enhancement of the services the hospital was already providing.  

“The center is not a physical location, rather an all-encompassing [approach] to Autism care that we’ve implemented at our Children’s Specialized Hospital (CSH) sites across the state,” the representative added. 

The new center’s medical services include developmental behavioral pediatrics, physiatry, primary care, psychiatry and system partners. Patients can receive therapy services, such as:

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
• Early intervention
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Psychology
• Severe behavior
• Speech and feeding therapy

The center will also offer training for the community to highlight the needs and strengths of individuals with autism and training for professionals to increase access to diagnosis and support.