Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism Evaluation Update
Effective March 29,2024, the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders is not accepting new requests/intakes for autism evaluation for children 4 years or older. This does not impact our Gender and Autism services (that waitlist is open).
Our Providers
Our pediatric specialists provide personalized care for your child’s physical, mental and emotional health needs.
Contact Information
For appointments, please call 1-888-884-BEAR (2327) and for information, call 301-765-5430.
The Region’s Largest Autism Program
CASD is the largest multidisciplinary pediatric autism program in the Washington, D.C., region. Our specialists understand the unique needs of children as their brains and bodies develop. We offer:
- Evidence-based clinical care. Our experts lead national research studies on ASD with the goal of advancing assessment and treatment options. By studying autism’s genetic, neurocognitive, behavioral and social factors, we can identify and apply the most effective treatments for your child.
- Education, support and advocacy. We provide the latest information about ASD to everyone from families and patients to school personnel, physicians and agencies. Resources include seminars, workshops, the CASD Chat newsletter, training and consultations. Sign up to be added to our CASD Chat newsletter mailing list. You can also view details about upcoming Executive Function and Social Skills groups and learn about ECHO Autism for providers.
ECHO Autism for Providers
We collaborate with the following departments/specialties:
What is autism spectrum disorder?
Understanding your child's condition is an important step on your treatment journey. Learn more about diagnosis and care for autism spectrum disorder in children.
Make an Impact
Private support plays an important role in furthering our ability to provide the best care to our patients and families. To learn about how you can make a direct, philanthropic impact on the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, please contact the Children’s National Hospital Foundation.
Our Mission
CASD's mission is to excel in care, advocacy, research and education. We accomplish this by:
- Providing a quality healthcare experience for our patients and families through a coordinated program of state-of the-art clinical services
- Improving health outcomes for children regionally, nationally and internationally by educating the next generation of clinicians in best practices for autism evaluation, diagnosis and treatment
- Creating innovative solutions to pediatric health challenges by conducting research that includes and reflects the neuro-diverse population we serve
- Embracing neurodiversity and welcoming autistic individuals as collaborators, research trainees, students and staff members
CASD works every day to optimize trajectories for autistic youth with the goal of successful transition into adulthood. Our Stakeholder Advisory Board, comprised of parents whose children have received assistance from CASD, provides recommendations to CASD faculty and staff to improve care, research, education and advocacy efforts.
Fee Information
Services provided by the Children’s National Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders may be covered in full or in part by commercial insurance, managed care or medical assistance, depending on the contractual specifications. Self-pay is accepted and payment plans may be arranged.
Research
If you are interested in participating in one of our research studies, email us.
Sign-Up for CASD Chat, Our Monthly Newsletter
Check out our CASD Chat newsletters, where we provide tips, events and autism research highlights that can be helpful for you and your family.
Improving Outcomes for Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Our team focuses on the strengths of all children with autism spectrum disorders to help them lead successful and healthy lives.
Talking to Your Child About Autism
Angela Bollich, Ph.D., a neuropsychologist at Children's National Hospital, discusses how to talk to your child about autism.
Featured Resources
Family Resources
In addition to any resources your provider may give you, our online resources can also support your ongoing treatment journey.
Provider Resources
The Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders hosts ECHO Autism, a virtual learning network for providers to access a hub of autism specialists as they work to diagnose, treat and care for ASD children and their families.