North Shore Pediatric Therapy Expands Locations & Offers Rapid Early Autism Testing Amidst National Waitlists

CHICAGO, July 18, 2024 (Newswire.com) - Families across the nation are facing unprecedented delays in neuropsychological assessments for autism, with waitlists extending over a year. North Shore Pediatric Therapy (NSPT) in Chicago is stepping up to meet this critical need. The organization is thrilled to announce that NSPT now offers expedited autism testing for children aged 4 and under, in multiple locations, with appointments available within just three weeks.

NSPT’s Arlington Heights, Deerfield, and Naperville centers now provide immediate autism assessments conducted by their expert Neuropsychology team. The three-hour assessment includes the ADOS-2, a play- and activity-based evaluation deemed the "gold standard" for diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This thorough assessment also considers a child's developmental history and behavioral observations from parents and teachers.

In addition to expanding their autism testing services, North Shore Pediatric Therapy has recently opened a new location in Vernon Hills in January 2024, and is excited to announce the upcoming opening of their Elmhurst center at the end of summer. All 11 NSPT centers, including Arlington Heights, Bucktown, Deerfield, Des Plaines, Elmhurst, Evanston, Glenview, Lake Bluff, Lincolnwood, Naperville, and Vernon Hills employ an interdisciplinary approach, featuring teams of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) providing ABA therapy for autism, Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, and Neuropsychologists, collaborating to create comprehensive therapy plans for children 18 months and older.  

Since launching their Early Autism Clinic in November 2022, NSPT has continuously made meaningful improvements to the family experience throughout testing. Most families can now complete their child’s testing and receive their results on the same day. Dr. Greg Stasi, Chief of Neuropsychology at NSPT, proudly states, "Since starting this program, we have scheduled over 200 families into our ASD clinic – a major milestone for our organization. Regardless of the diagnosis, families leave with immediate relief and a clear path forward for their child's long-term success."

Recent CDC data highlights a concerning decline in the assessment and identification of ASD among young children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Early diagnosis is crucial as it can significantly influence a child's developmental trajectory, making timely intervention more critical than ever. 

North Shore Pediatric Therapy understands that insurance coverage is a significant concern for many families. Their testing services are covered by insurance, and NSPT is in-network with major providers, including Blue Cross Blue Shield (HMO and PPO), United Healthcare, TRICARE, MultiPlan, NorthShore Physician Associates, Optum, and AMITA. Their dedicated intake and billing teams manage the entire insurance verification process to ensure a seamless experience for families. 

Parents, guardians, and caregivers in the Chicagoland area who suspect early signs of autism in their children are urged to contact NSPT at 877-812-2634 or https://www.nspt4kids.com/. Just a few weeks could stand between concerns and a clear path forward.

Source: North Shore Pediatric Therapy