NewYork-Presbyterian
Center for Autism & the Developing Brain
Comprehensive evaluation, treatment, education, and support for patients of all ages and their families
A Leader in Autism Diagnosis and Treatment
Family-focused care in a convenient and comfortable setting
The Center for Autism and the Developing Brain (CADB) provides comprehensive care in a single convenient location for people of all ages — from the toddler years to adulthood — living with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other developmental challenges. Located on the Hospital's expansive and parklike Westchester Behavioral Health Center campus in White Plains, New York, CADB is a collaborative program between NewYork-Presbyterian, Weill Cornell Medicine, and Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, in partnership with NEXT for AUTISM. Patients and families can receive comprehensive evaluation, treatment, education, and support, customized to their individual needs at all stages of life.
Our Mission
The mission of CADB is to improve the lives of individuals with ASD and their families. We work toward this goal by:
- Providing comprehensive clinical care to individuals, families, and support to the community
- Educating current and future leaders in the field
- Conducting research that enhances the understanding and treatment of ASD
We apply the results of our training and research initiatives to the clinical services we provide, and share this information with families and community. At the same time, families help expand scientific knowledge by participating in our research studies.
History & Support
NEXT for AUTISM and a generous contribution from Marilyn and Jim Simons of the Simons Foundation provided essential guidance and support to establish CADB. Additional support was provided by Autism Speaks, North America's largest autism research and advocacy organization — founded by NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Life Trustee Bob Wright and his wife, Suzanne — as well as the Mortimer D. Sackler Foundation. Make a donation to support CADB.
Since our establishment in 2013, CADB has earned a reputation for providing exceptional evaluation and treatment services based on the latest research — all offered in a family-focused intimate setting where autism experts work together as a team. Today we are a renowned community for patients and families seeking short-term care, education, support, and connection with resources in their communities. We specialize in targeted interventions designed to address the gap between a patient’s current treatment and our best practice recommendations. We are also proud to be part of NewYork-Presbyterian's Autism Task Force.
Our Approach to Care
At the same Center, we bring together a variety of specialists that patients and their families may need, including professionals from the following disciplines: psychology, psychiatry, pediatrics, developmental pediatrics, speech and language pathology, occupational therapy, and social work. Our team also participates in community initiatives to educate the public, support the local autism community, and collaborate on research projects.
A facility designed to meet your needs
Our facility, housed in the Rogers Building on the NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health Center campus, serves as a central hub for our patient and family services, research programs, and professional training efforts. This innovative facility has been designed with the sensitivities and needs of individuals with ASD and their families in mind, featuring:
- A "village-like" interior design
- Cheerful yet soft lighting
- Rounded edges on furniture and structures
- Sound-proofing to minimize noise levels
- Furniture and treatment spaces for patients of all ages
- Observation rooms with video recording capability
- A small gymnasium with specialized equipment
Diagnostic Testing and Evaluation
We perform a comprehensive initial evaluation for each new patient, gathering input from caregivers and conducting in-person evidence-based diagnostic testing that may feature the ADOS and/or the ADI-R. Our team assesses the results of the evaluation to create a detailed report featuring treatment recommendations and connections with resources in your community for continued care. We conduct equally comprehensive re-evaluations for patients to ensure they are receiving the most appropriate services at different stages of their lives.
Services We Offer
Our team provides treatment for autism in our centralized facility, including an Early Intervention Program for children ages 12-36 months and other interventions for older children, adolescents, young adults, and adults. We care for the whole patient, offering:
- An introductory "Next Steps" educational workshop about autism for families of children with first-time diagnoses where families can connect with each other and learn about resources
- Small classroom contracted through New York State Early Intervention Program
- Behavioral programming
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Medical services
- Social skills and life skills training
- Family education and counseling
- Parent support groups
Why Choose Us
We understand the concerns related to ASD and other developmental challenges, and we want you to know that you don't have to go through this alone. NewYork-Presbyterian's CADB combines the best of all worlds: a multidisciplinary team of renowned experts with specialty training in autism care, working together to provide individualized in-person attention to patients and families in a relaxing and comfortable facility created with their needs in mind. Our care is also covered by many private insurance providers, Medicaid, and Medicare. We offer telehealth consultations where desired. For families whose preferred language is other than English, we provide interpreter services to ensure that the family can fully take part in the evaluation and/or treatment process.
Moreover, our services don't stop when a patient reaches age 21. They can come back to us at any phase of the lifespan to touch base and receive care addressing their needs at that time. Call today for more information about our intake process.
Featured Stories
Autism in the news
Stories from Health Matters
Coping with an Autism Diagnosis
An autism expert offers tips to parents facing the challenges of raising a child with autism spectrum disorder.
Newsroom
10 Things to Know after Your Child Is Diagnosed with Autism
In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, Dr. Catherine Lord, director of the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, and a national authority on autism spectrum disorders (ASD), offers families guidance and tips for coping with a child’s diagnosis.
Awards & Recognition
National Recognition
Contact us
NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health Center
Center for Autism & the Developing Brain