Our Philosophy

Northlake Neurorehab Autism Center exists to assist individuals suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorder to achieve their maximum potential. We recognize that all individuals, regardless of severity of symptoms, are capable of experiencing fulfilling relationships and life. Understanding that communication and behavior are often the most  significant areas of concern experienced by ASD individuals, NNR Autism addresses each with best practice assessments and  intervention.

Communication- NNR's approach to communication intervention  considers that each child's  individual strengths and preferences that will typically dictate the  path to functionality.  Although we view verbal speech as the most desired outcome, and continually prompt and solicit it, we  also address communication functionality for the present, and use it as the platform for more complex speech and language. Whether it be sign language, pictorial communication systems (e.g. Pictures Exchange  Communition Sytem), or graded levels of Alternative Augmentative Communication  (AAC) devices, we quickly  establish the "starting point".  Once the child views communication as a way to access to obtain wants and needs, and connect with their world, their desire and  communicative repertoire quickly grows. 

Behavior-Utilizing a biopsychosocial assessment approach, each person's unique challenges can be identified as occurring within a biological, behavioral, and social matrix. A comprehensive evaluation process is the first step in developing in accurate diagnosis  to  identify antecedent and consequences of aberrant  behavior.  The  results will  lead to the development, execution, and monitoring  of behavioral, cognitive, and social interventions,  designed to reduce dysfunctional behavior and shape adaptative ones. This approach also allows for the identification of possible comorbid conditions, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Anxiety, and Depression, and will be instrumental in the maintenance of identifying target behaviors. To this end, we use  formal standardized measures for diagnosing ASD, ADHD, Affective disorders, intellectual disabilities and other neurodiverse conditions, all which is performed by highly experienced clinicians including psychologists, speech-language pathologist, and occupational therapist

Best practice approaches are adapted to each individual's clinical presentation and will be implemented, measured and monitored carefully by  our caring professionals.  The team also acknowledges the collateral implications for the family and loved ones, and  provides individualized  support  and care, including counseling, support groups, and personal access to the clinicians, as needed.