The process of diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often involves assessing multiple aspects of development and determining whether there are co-occurring concerns. An accurate diagnosis is crucial to identifying next steps and appropriate therapies.
Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation (CASSI™, formerly known as the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, or CARD) provides state-of-the-art evaluations using interdisciplinary models to identify individual strengths and needs to guide decision-making. Following an evaluation, our team of experts may recommend intervention services, which can include short-term therapies delivered in an individual or group setting. Our triage specialists help families referred to CASSI determine the most appropriate services to meet their needs.
Click on the drop down sections below to explore our various services.
Achievements Program
Provides small-group treatment programs designed to develop communication skills, social interaction abilities and learning readiness.
- Early Achievements, age 2 years
- Achievements, ages 2 years, 9 months through 5 years
Click here to view the Achievements Program factsheet.
Clinical Psychology
Provides diagnostic assessments and individual and group therapy services to address social, emotional and behavioral needs.
Click here to view the Psychological Services factsheet.
Clinical Social Work
Provides treatment and care coordination services provided by licensed mental health professionals to promote the optimal development of children with autism. Click here to view the Clinical Social Work Services factsheet.
Medical Services
Provides specialized medical and psychiatric services that focus on diagnosing and treating autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disorders.
Click here to view the Specialized Medical and Psychiatric Services for the ASD Community factsheet.
Click here to view the Genetic Counseling at Kennedy Krieger Institute factsheet.
Neuropsychology
Provides neuropsychological evaluations to determine cognitive strengths and weaknesses to inform treatment planning at home, school, and in the community.
Click here to view the Neuropsychological Services factsheet.
Occupational Therapy
Provides assessment and treatment to address strengths and functional needs in areas including neuromotor, gross motor, fine motor, visual motor, visual perceptual, sensory processing and self-care/daily living skills.
Click here to view the Occupational Therapy Services factsheet.
Psychiatry
Provides diagnostic evaluation and treatment services for children and adolescents who are having difficulty with mood, behavior, or relationships at home, within the family, at school, and with peers.
Social Skills
Provides group therapy opportunities to develop social interaction skills, promote self-advocacy and enhance connection with others.
Click here to view the Social Skills factsheet.
Speech-Language Pathology
Provides specialized evaluations and interventions to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of communication disorders.
Life Skills
Provides group therapy to increase independence with daily activities while addressing underlying communication and sensory motor differences that impact self-care.
The center also offers a variety of parent training programs, including:
- Play with Me: A parent-child interaction series to enhance socialization and functional skill development and to assist with sensory regulation.
- Picture Exchange Clinic: A six-week speech-language therapy program for parents and children to develop and implement a Picture Exchange Communications System (PECS) for expressive communication.
- Functional Communication Clinic: A six-week speech-language therapy program for parents and children to determine and implement the most effective communication aids for the child. Functional communication strategies may include PECS, picture communication books, speech output augmentative and alternative communication devices (AAC), and other visual supports.
- Circle of Security: A 10- to 12-week caregiver-only program focused on understanding your child’s emotional world as a means of helping them manage their feelings and behaviors.