Augusta, GA Area Autism Resources

Dr. Karen Carter opened Augusta Developmental Specialists in May 2009 after having a clinic at the Medical College of Georgia (MCG) for nine years. We strive to provide the best healthcare for children and adults with developmental disabilities. We provide developmental assessment and follow up care, care coordination, equipment assistance, prescription refills, wheelchair clinics, and patient advocacy services. New for 2018, we are adding an Augmentative Communication Lab! We are here to help you!

1303 D’Antignac St
Augusta, GA 30901

(706) 396-0600

Child NeuroBehavioral Center for Health & Wellness

Dr. Gangarosa-Emerson and associates work primarily with children, adolescents, and parents. Dr. Gangarosa has expertise in neuropsychological and psychological assessment, cognitive rehabilitation, child development, behavior management, attachment issues, Play Therapy (PT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), and treating disorders of anxiety and depression. CNC is developing new programs to remediate neurocognitive weaknesses and promote health and wellness. We believe your child can be successful at home and school.

302 Baston Road
Martinez GA 30907

(706) 447-8700

Jaime Henle is a licensed psychologist and provides psychological evaluations and individual and family therapy with tweens, adolescents, and young adults (aged 10-25 years old) and psychological evaluations (aged 5-18). She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). These are both evidence based treatments for trauma. During the pandemic, Dr. Henle is providing telehealth sessions and accepts BCBS (PPO), Tricare, Aetna, Cigna, Cempatico, and GEHA.

427 N Belair Rd
Evans, GA 30809

(706) 222-1494

Families Forward 

The Families Forward team focuses on providing the best quality therapeutic services to the children, adolescents, and adults that entrust us with their care. Each of our providers use evidence-based practices while focusing on the individual or family’s needs. Please read about our clinicians in more detail below.

Amy Holsten, PhD

 Amy Holsten is a licensed psychologist specializing in the treatment of children and adolescents. She received her undergraduate degree from Columbus State University, her Master’s degree in clinical psychology from Augusta State University and her Doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Fielding Graduate University. Dr. Holsten has received extensive training in residential and outpatient psychiatric facilities, the private practice setting, and non-profit agencies. She was an associate professor of psychology at North Georgia College and State University and adjunct faculty at Augusta University for many years. She has served as President of the local Mental Health Association, was the director of the Child Advocacy Center and currently is co-owner of Families Forward.

Her expertise is in the area of trauma to include sexual assault, traumatic grief, and abuse. She is committed to evidence-based treatment and collaboration with schools and other agencies that work with children to achieve the best possible outcome. Dr. Holsten also has extensive training and experience treating Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, anxiety, school refusal, depression, sexual behavioral problems, and behavioral disorders. She is committed to parent education and supports active parental involvement in treatment. Dr. Holsten is committed to providing competent and compassionate therapeutic services that focus on helping children and families work through whatever difficulties they may be facing.

3506 Professional Circle
Martinez, GA 30907

(706) 210-8855

Pediatric Autism Clinical and Evaluation Services

Dr. Stephanie Northington, Ph.D.

In addition to providing assessment, diagnosis, and psychological intervention, Dr. Northington is an avid researcher and advocate for children with developmental concerns. She consistently presents research at national and international conferences, and she is asked to speak to parent support groups and professional groups. Her passion for providing quality services is clear! She is the only provider in the CSRA trained in PRT (Pivotal Response Treatment), and one of the few providers in the area trained to administer the ADOS-2, which is required for most ASD assessments.

While considered an expert in ASD and developmental concerns, the impact of these conditions is something Dr. Northington deals with personally as well as professionally. If anyone can understand the care, support, and advocacy you and your child or family may need, it is Dr. Northington!

PACES, LLC
2945 Walton Way
Augusta, GA 30909
 

(706) 842-3279

Georgia Autism Center

The Georgia Autism Center (GAC) is highly committed and eager to assist individuals and families of children or loved ones with an autism spectrum and other related neurodevelopmental disorders to receive proper diagnoses, aid in the development of their individualized treatment plans, enhance independence, and foster the utmost quality of their lives.

Dr. Fox, the former proud owner of Georgia Pediatric Psychology, routinely performs evaluations on children as young as 12 months through early adulthood to detect signs of neurocognitive or developmental delays. Dr. Fox also assesses adults with disabilities in need of obtaining home and community-based services. Assessments are performed to determine the need for community-based services and financial support that would help increase an individual’s independence and quality of life while also helping to reduce some of the financial burdens which they or their families endure while providing for their needs.

There will be several forms to be completed pertaining to the client’s development including prenatal, medical, educational, social, family, and psychiatric history. You and your child, depending on his or her age, will be asked a number of questions as it pertains to your concerns and your child’s developmental and psychosocial history. Depending on the age, your child will be observed at the initial visit for 1-2 hours in a play or interactive setting and several tests will be administered to assist in obtaining more comprehensive information and developing the most appropriate testing battery. Following this appointment, the client may be scheduled to return for a formal testing battery.

Georgia Autism Center
4046 Wetherburn Way, Ste. 1
Peachtree Corners, GA 30092

(770) 696-4384

Marcus Autism Center

Marcus’ evaluations help to determine whether or not children meet the criteria for autism, using the highest standard of care in diagnostic assessment. In addition to determining a diagnosis, the evaluation process helps to identify a child’s specific strengths and weaknesses and guides appropriate recommendations for treatment and intervention. At Marcus Autism Center, caregivers benefit from having multidisciplinary care and support services under one roof.

Toddler Evaluations

Children 2 and younger are seen by a multidisciplinary team for a one-day evaluation. This evaluation includes:

• A parent interview by a medical provider
• Developmental assessment
• Assessment of the child’s social interaction and play
• Adaptive assessment
• Feedback session with parents to discuss diagnosis, your child’s strengths and weaknesses and recommendations

This appointment lasts about 3 hours and a full written report summarizing our findings will be provided to you after the evaluation.

Preschool and School-Age Evaluations

Diagnostic evaluations for children ages 3 and older consist of two appointments:

Diagnostic Interview

The diagnostic interview appointment is a one-hour interview with parents. During this parent interview, the clinician will gather detailed information about your child’s development and current symptoms. You may also be asked to complete parent rating scales, and be given forms to be completed by your child’s teacher or other caregivers. It is important that your child be present for this appointment.

Testing Appointment

Many children are scheduled for a testing appointment after the diagnostic interview. This testing appointment usually occurs several weeks after the diagnostic interview and includes an assessment of the following:

• Cognitive abilities or developmental level
• Social interaction
• Communication
• Emotional functioning
• Behavior
• Adaptive skills

This testing appointment lasts for about 5 hours and includes:

• Direct testing with your child throughout most of the morning
• A lunch break for families
• An afternoon feedback session with parents to discuss diagnosis, your child’s strengths and weaknesses and treatment recommendations

A full written report summarizing these findings will be provided to you after the evaluation.

Marcus Autism Center
 1920 Briarcliff Road
 Atlanta, GA 30329

(404) 785-9400