Yale Developmental Disabilities Clinic
The Yale Developmental Disabilities Clinic builds on decades of experience in research and clinical services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. Founded by Dr. Fred Volkmar and directed by Dr. James McPartland, the clinic is recognized worldwide for its expertise in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Bela Ponjevic at (203) 785-3420 or at dd.clinic@yale.edu.
Evaluations
Comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluations are provided by a team of experienced clinical faculty at the Child Study Center. These evaluations take place over a two-day period and focus on diagnosis, determination of strengths and weaknesses, and informing educational programming intervention. Each evaluation has four components: psychological testing (including neuropsychological or academic assessment), speech-language testing, evaluation of adaptive functioning, and psychiatric assessment. The clinical team works together to provide a single report with a particular emphasis on recommendations for intervention and educational planning.
College Planning
The clinic also offers college consultations for parents and students with autism spectrum disorder with Dr. Jane Thierfeld Brown. Dr. Brown has over 35 years of experience in disability service provision in a variety of college environments. She will help you locate an appropriate college setting for your son or daughter with ASD by supporting students and families through the application and admission process.
Advocacy
The Developmental Disabilities Clinic offers educational advocacy services, an optional service to families in the community and/or as follow-up to their child's evaluation in the clinic. Educational Advocacy services are provided by the clinic’s education attorney, Amy Vatner. Educational Advocacy services help prepare parents to achieve their goals in obtaining appropriate supports and programming in schools. The service can assist in implementing clinical recommendations in a school environment. Services include comprehensive review of a child's clinical assessments and educational record and a one-hour meeting with the clinic’s education attorney for individual guidance and purposeful suggestions on school implementation. Educational advocacy representation at school meetings is also available.
