Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is currently monitoring a new federal plan aimed at collecting autism-related data to strengthen future research. Although the institution has not yet received any data collection requests in this regard, OHSU states that it highly values the privacy and security of its patients’ health information. All departments at the institution strictly adhere to laws that ensure the protection of personal information.
Holistic Approach: OHSU’s Contribution to Autism Assessment
The team at OHSU’s Child Development and Rehabilitation Center (CDRC) adopts a “Whole-Person Approach” in autism identification. This means it not only evaluates the child’s symptoms, but also considers the family’s needs, social background, and connections to local services. This is why families from Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and California come here in large numbers.
The team works with approximately 1,000 children each year—more than any other autism clinic in Oregon and southwest Washington. OHSU’s expertise isn’t limited to diagnosis; it’s also a leader in research and connecting families to support services.
Who Attends This Center?
This center helps families who:
- want to understand whether their child has autism,
- are already experiencing other long-term health challenges along with autism, or
- want to prepare for their teenage children to live with autism in adult life.
Long Waits: The Reality of Wait Times
Currently, OHSU has a 6-21-month waiting list for autism evaluations, depending on the child’s age and location.
- Ages 0-4 years: Portland – 7 to 9 months, Eugene – 15 months
- Ages 5-11 years: Portland – 12 to 14 months, Eugene – 19 to 21 months
- Ages 12-17 years: Portland – 6 to 8 months, Eugene – 10 months
- Ages 18 and over: Evaluation not available
While these waits are difficult for families, OHSU ensures that every child receives services as quickly as possible.
Registration Process: How to Start Your Child’s Checkup
- Get a Referral: First, obtain a referral from your child’s doctor for the CDRC.
- Registration: The OHSU team will call you and initiate the registration process.
- Intake Packet: You will then be mailed an Intake Packet. This packet contains school-related information and forms to complete.
- Submit the Form: Keep a copy of the completed form and submit it according to the packet’s instructions.
- Waitlist: Once the packet is received, your child will be added to the waitlist.
- Appointment: When your name appears on the list, the OHSU team will call you to schedule an appointment.
Contact numbers and emails are available for both the Portland and Eugene centers so families can receive the necessary information in a timely manner.
What to Expect During the Evaluation
The autism evaluation process is transparent and collaborative for both children and parents. Specialists conduct a detailed review of your child’s behavior, language, social responses, and development. The evaluation includes:
- Play and activities to understand the child’s thinking and communication styles,
- Social and behavioral observations,
- Discussions with parents to identify the child’s strengths and challenges.
This process helps determine whether an autism diagnosis is appropriate for the child.
If a child is diagnosed with autism
OHSU’s team provides guidance to families following a diagnosis. The institute’s goal is not only to identify the problem but also to provide a path to a solution. Children are connected with the following specialized services:
- Speech-Language Pathology: to assist with speech and communication.
- Occupational Therapy: to improve activities of daily living.
- Physical Therapy: for physical movement and coordination.
- Neurology and Gastroenterology: for problems related to the brain, nervous system, and digestion.
- Genetics and Psychology: for identifying behavioral or genetic causes.
- Social Work: for connecting families with community resources.
If Autism Is Not Diagnosed
If the evaluation reveals that the child’s symptoms don’t match autism, the team discusses other possible causes and guides the family toward other specialists or treatment centers. This way, the family can move forward in the right direction without any confusion.
Project Impact: Specialized Training Program for Parents
Project Impact is a parent training program at OHSU designed for families whose children have autism or social communication challenges. This program teaches parents how to strengthen their children’s communication, play, and social skills.
The program consists of 10 to 12 sessions, in which parents participate in occupational therapy.They work in collaboration with a therapist, speech-language pathologist, or social worker. These sessions can be conducted in the hospital, clinic, or online.
OHSU’s Research: National Contribution
OHSU is participating in a national research project called SPARK, in collaboration with more than 30 hospitals and universities in the United States. This project is sponsored by the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI). Its goal is to understand the genetic and social causes of autism and develop better treatment methods.
Conclusion: A Sensitive and Scientific Approach
OHSU’s Autism Center is not just a medical facility—it is a sensitive, research-based, and family-centered institution that strives to understand the unique needs of every child. From diagnosis to support services, the institute guides families every step of the way so that children can reach their full potential in life.
