Consulting, Training and Community

Overview

DE is fortunate to have expertise in many areas relating to children, families, behavioral health, and neurodevelopmental disorders. We believe that it is our responsibility to use that expertise to better the lives of the people we serve. Our staff frequently provides training and consultation for other providers and organizations to help them better serve their clients. We also partner with community programs aimed at helping children, adults and families affected by neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism to participate more fully in the communities in which they live.

Consulting

The professional staff at DE shares its expertise by providing consultation across the State of Michigan.
DE is frequently asked to provide consultation to organizations who are serving clients with complex challenges. Consultations often include clarifying diagnoses, evaluating treatment options, and developing treatment/support plans.

Consultations commonly involve:

  • Individuals with complex and confusing diagnoses
  • Individuals demonstrating challenging behaviors
  • Cases where treatment has been ineffective
  • People with combinations of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Intellectual Disabilities, and mental health disorders
  • Individuals with challenges due to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
  • Aging issues/dementia affecting individuals with developmental disabilities

To help improve the availability of high quality services for children and adults affected by neurodevelopmental disorders, DE also provides consultation to organizations regarding programs development. We have helped organizations develop new programs aimed at meeting unmet needs such as for children with autism and severe behavioral issues, adults with developmental disabilities and severe mental health issues, as well as for individuals with unique treatment needs

Training

Our professional staff also shares it’s expertise by providing training for professionals and organizations. Training can be one-time or ongoing. Our goal is to increase high-quality resources available to children, families, and adults who are affected by neurodevelopmental challenges, including those that may have co-existing mental health/behavioral disorders.

DE Staff frequently are invited speakers at major conferences across the United States and Canada on topics relating to children and adults affected by neurodevelopmental disorders.

Common topics include:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Applied Behavior Analysis for children with ASD
  • Dealing with challenging behavior
  • Dementia/aging issues in individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and/or ASD
  • Developing effective programs and systems
  • Dialect Behavior Therapy (DBT) for special populations
  • Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
  • Mental health disorders in persons with neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Positive behavior support plans
  • Promoting positive mental health

Community

At DE, we strongly believe that children and adults with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism should be able to fully able to participate in our communities. Positive experiences in the community promote learning and social/emotional development, bring enjoyment and a sense of belonging, and help increase social acceptance. However, many opportunities available in the community are not a good fit for individuals with disorders such as autism due to how they are designed, the high social demands in the environment, and sensory over-stimulation.

One of the major keys to creating positive experiences for people with autism and other challenges, is to make necessary accommodations in the environment and experience. DE is happy to partner with community programs and organizations to help develop effective accommodations to ensure positive and rewarding experiences.

One example of this that we are very proud of is our ongoing partnership with the Grand Rapids Public Museum to develop programs and events that are friendly to children with autism and children with sensory sensitivities.

FAQ