UAB Autism Clinic

What is the Autism Clinic?
The UAB Autism Clinic began operation in September of 2001 and is coordinated through the UAB School of Medicine. It is located in the UAB Sparks Clinics. We evaluate children ages 2 to 12 years of age in order to determine if they have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)/Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). Evaluation results are used to assist families, school personnel, medical practitioners, and other providers develop effective treatment programs.

What is an Autism Spectrum/Pervasive Developmental Disorder?
Pervasive Developmental Disorder is a broad diagnostic category that includes what are commonly referred to as “Autism Spectrum Disorders.” Diagnoses on the Autism Spectrum include: Autistic Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and Not Otherwise Specified (PDD,NOS). A child is typically referred to us when he or she is not developing language in a typical manner, when having difficulty with social interactions, and when displaying repetitive behaviors. Autism Spectrum disorders are lifelong neurodevelopmental disorders that effect the way a child develops and interacts with his/her environment. For further information about autism, please visit the web-links listed on this site.

What type of evaluation is offered?
Because every child is different and there are varying degrees of symptom presentation, a thorough evaluation by experienced practitioners is recommended. Diagnostic evaluations at the Autism Clinic are comprehensive in nature, and include state-of-the-art measures. This evaluation includes both an extensive interview of the child’s primary caregivers (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised), and a structured interaction with the child (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-General). In addition, due to preferences of the local school systems, the Childhood Autism Rating Scale is completed. Additional measures may be used as determined necessary during the clinic visit.

In addition to the autism specific measures, a Developmental Pediatrician familiar with this group of disorders interviews each family and examines each child. Additional medical testing may be recommended.

Generally, children who are seen through the Autism Clinic also have a complete developmental evaluation either through their current providers or through one of the other clinics at Sparks Clinics. Information from Audiology, Optometry, Speech/Language, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Psychology (including cognitive testing), and Neurology is integrated with findings from the Autism Clinic in making a final diagnosis.

Families are given both verbal and written feedback regarding diagnosis and resources for developing a comprehensive treatment program. Referrals are made, as needed, for further evaluation or for treatments.

Who will we see at the Autism Clinic?
Each family will see a licensed Psychologist, a Developmental Pediatrician, and a Nurse Coordinator during their diagnostic evaluation. All providers have extensive experience with children and adolescents, as well as with people with autism spectrum disorders. These providers have also undergone training in order to be reliable administrators of the diagnostic instruments.

Appointment Contact Information
You can contact the Autism Clinic by calling one of the Sparks Clinics main numbers below. Click here for more detailed information that will help you prepare for your visit to the UAB Autism Clinic.

Phone numbers

Birmingham Metro local number 205-934-5471

Toll-free long distance 1-800-822-2472 (choose option “8” Sparks Clinics)

Street Address:
Community Health Services Building
930 20th Street South
Birmingham, Alabama 35294-2041

Additional Information About Our Location

Map

1. Metro area with interstates and Hwy 280. Our location is marked by the red star.