The Perspectives Program

Transcription

1 The Perspectives Program A new psychosocial treatment research program for verbal individuals, ages 16-40, with Autism Spectrum Disorders Supported by: National Institute of Mental Health, Autism Speaks and the PA Dept. of Health

2 Page 1 Getting to know the Place & People Page 2 The Perspectives Program is part of the University of Pittsburgh. It is located on the campus near the Cathedral of Learning in the Oakland area of Pittsburgh. The Perspectives Program offices are located in Webster Hall which is at the corner of Fifth Ave. and Dithridge St. The address is 4415 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA

3 Page 3 Getting to know the Place & People Page 4 If I come by bus, there are many routes that will take me to Oakland and several that will drop me off on Fifth Ave. near Webster Hall. If I come by car, parking is available at the Sterling Plaza garage. The entrance is located on Craig St. near the intersection with Bayard St. It is a short walk to Webster Hall. The Perspectives staff will validate my parking stub.

4 Page 5 Getting to know the Place & People Page 6 The Perspectives Program offices are located in Webster Hall. I will enter the building on Fifth Ave. I will enter through the Fifth Ave. doors into the main lobby. I will walk through the lobby and down the hallway to the left.

5 Page 7 Getting to know the Place & People Page 8 Suite 150 is located on the left side of this hallway. There is a sign for the Perspectives Program next to the door. When I arrive at the door, I will press the buzzer. A staff member will greet me at the door. I will enter Suite 150 and go to an office inside to meet with a member of the staff about the Perspectives Research Program.

6 Page 9 Getting to know the Place & People Page 10 I ll learn about what the Perspectives Program can do for me and what will be expected of me. I will be able to ask questions. My parents or a friend can come with me and ask questions that I might not think to ask. To find out if I am eligible to participate, I will need to read and sign a consent form. Then, we will need to schedule my next appointment. We will walk down the hallway to the elevator.

7 Page 11 Getting to know the Place & People Page 12 We will take the elevator to the mezzanine level and walk to Suite 142M. When we get to Suite 142M, we will ring the bell and a staff member will greet us at the door. We will schedule my next appointment. I will meet some of the staff.

8 Page 13 Starting the Activities Page 14 I will schedule my eligibility or screening activities with a staff member in Suite 142M Here are some of the staff members in Suite 142M who will be asking me questions to determine my eligibility.

9 Page 15 Starting the Activities Page 16 After all the screening activities are completed and my records are reviewed, the research staff will determine if I am eligible to participate. I will be contacted with the news. If the screening tests show that I am eligible to join the Perspectives Program, I will then need to complete some computer tests.

10 Page 17 Perspectives Research Program Page 18 I will also need to complete some paper and pencil tests, and interviews before starting treatment. Because the Perspectives Program is grant supported, I will not be charged for any study assessments or treatment. If I am eligible to participate, these are the Perspectives staff members that will assist me in either Cognitive Enhancement Therapy (CET) or Enriched Supportive Therapy (EST).

11 Cognitive Enhancement Therapy Page 19 Cognitive Enhancement Therapy Page 20 If I participate in CET, I will have weekly individual sessions with a clinician. I will also have weekly computer sessions with another participant and a clinician. These computer sessions help improve attention, memory and problem-solving.

12 Cognitive Enhancement Therapy Page 21 Enriched Supportive Therapy Page 22 Eventually, I will join a small group with people who have conditions similar to mine. The CET group sessions are designed to help us learn to think and act more wisely in social settings. If I am a participant in EST, I will have weekly individual sessions with a clinician. The sessions will provide support. I will learn important information about my condition.

13 Enriched Supportive Therapy Page 23 Enriched Supportive Therapy Page 24 EST focuses on education about Autism Spectrum Disorders. I will learn how to manage my emotions and stress, improve social skills and cope with everyday problems. In EST, I will learn about the impact of stress on my life. I ll learn how to identify my early cues of distress and how to apply healthy coping strategies.

14 Page 23 Perspectives Research Program University of Pittsburgh HELP FOR ADULTS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS PERSPECTIVES: Dr. Eack and Dr. Minshew hope this information has helped introduce you to the Perspectives Research Program. We are a friendly team and here to help you. Program for the Enhancement of Recovery, Social Perception, and Education through Cognitive Treatment Innovations and Enriched Support A psychosocial research program for adults with autism spectrum disorders To schedule an appointment, please call: (toll free) or