The hospital’s commitment to family-centered care also sets it apart.
At the age of two-and-a-half, Jake Larusso spoke only about 10 words, and was receiving speech services through the state of New Jersey. But when his speech didn’t improve, and he began having frequent and violent tantrums, Jake’s mother, Nicole LaRusso, brought him to Children’s Specialized Hospital, in Hamilton for an evaluation. Nicole and Jake met with Louise Walpin, MS, Advanced Practice Nurse, who evaluated the beautiful blond boy for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
“It was in my head that nothing was wrong with him, and that she was going to tell me he was fine,” said Nicole. Instead, Louise told Nicole that her son had autism. “The words are completely overwhelming,” recalls Nicole. “You can’t hear anything past, ‘Your child’s on the spectrum.’”
Louise didn’t waste a minute. She scheduled additional evaluations for Jake with a Children’s Specialized Hospital occupational therapist, speech therapist, and neuro-developmental pediatrician. The results led to an immediate increase in the frequency and intensity of Jake’s services. He now had occupational therapy and speech therapy at the hospital between four and five times a week. The family also began receiving supportive services from a hospital social worker.
Jake was at the best place possible for diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder. In a state with one of the highest rates of autism (approximately 1 in 49 versus 1 in 88 nationwide) Children’s Specialized Hospital pushes back with the most clinically excellent and diverse autism-related services in the region -- many say, in the country.
Children’s Specialized Hospital is the region’s largest provider of autism services. It is also a hub of clinical expertise for ASD, boasting a high ratio of New Jersey’s specialists in the areas of pediatric psychology, speech pathology and developmental pediatrics, all disciplines involved in autism. A hefty proportion of the state’s few licensed developmental pediatricians – 10 out of 31 – work here.
“As a parent, you want to the find the place with the most resources. There’s no question, this is it,” said Nicole.
Jake was a toddler when he was diagnosed with ASD. This may sound early. But the ideal time of diagnosis is even earlier -- at 18 months. Says Jill Harris, Ph.D., psychologist and director of program development, “Diagnosing a child very early versus later can mean the difference in that child’s ability to speak and to participate as fully as possible in school and life.” That is why Children’s Specialized Hospital is tireless in its commitment to the earliest possible screening for ASD, followed by diagnosis and services.
Even before a formal diagnosis is made, the hospital’s early intervention therapists work with children from birth to three years who have developmental delays, knowing that many will ultimately be found to be on the spectrum, and that the early infusion of help will give them a leg up. To cut short the wait for a screening – which, not long ago, amounted to one-and-a-half years in the tri-state area -- the hospital has trained dozens of its advanced nurse practitioners to screen, thereby putting kids on the fast track to services. And at preschools, Head Start programs, and daycare centers, staff teach others to recognize red flags, and to make sure any child who is a “maybe” gets screened.
The hospital’s commitment to family-centered care also sets it apart. For the often stunned and overwhelmed parents of newly diagnosed children, there are support groups and an all-day workshop. Parent panels offer priceless from-the-trenches advice, empathy, and perhaps most valued, honest answers. Members of a unique “parent faculty” offer guidance to families. Says Louise, “Parents always feel connected. There’s always another parent who will contact you. We don’t diagnose your child and leave you hanging. We offer a roadmap for your child – and family.” Adds Nicole, Jake’s mom, “When Jake was diagnosed, everyone made me feel that the roller coaster ride is normal. They convinced me that it wasn’t going to be easy, I’d get through it and they’d be there every step of the way.”
Jake Larusso’s growth continues, thrilling his parents. Says Nicole, “He’s starting kindergarten in an autism class for highly advanced kids. The changes he has undergone are just remarkable.”