Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Service
Expert care for autism, ADHD, and other disorders
ASD, ADHD, learning differences, and other neurodevelopmental disorders are lifelong conditions that affect how people think, learn, communicate, and connect with others. The experience and level of support needed can vary widely from person to person and across different stages of life.
Mass General Brigham is a leader in mental health and psychiatric care, with McLean Hospital serving as a world leader in care, research, and education.
Part of Mental Health and Psychiatric Services
Our approach to neurodevelopmental disorder care
Neurodevelopmental disorders affect each person differently. We take time to understand each individual’s strengths, challenges, and needs, then create a personalized care plan that adapts as those needs change.
Supports for ASD may include:
- Applied behavior analysis (ABA) to improve social skills and communication, and to help regulate emotions.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to recognize and change harmful feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
- Interoceptive exposure therapy (IE) to bolster self-regulation skills by connecting sensations with emotions.
- Medications for ADHD or co-occurring conditions like anxiety.
- Occupational therapy to help with sensory processing, self-care, and social skills.
- Physical therapy to improve motor skills, coordination, and balance.
- Speech-language therapy to improve communication through spoken words, pictures, gestures, or devices.
- Feeding therapy to address restricted food selection in patients with autism to develop safe and positive eating patterns.
- Social skills groups to help build social competence in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Medication may be an option for patients with ADHD. However, there is currently no medication to treat autism spectrum disorder.
The Bressler Program at Massachusetts General Hospital provides psychiatric evaluations and ongoing care for children, adolescents, and adults ages 6 to 60 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or both. Treatment focuses primarily on medication to help manage emotional and behavioral challenges. The team helps patients and families better understand these conditions and their care options.
Phone: 617-726-7899
The Lurie Center for Autism provides personalized care for people with autism and other developmental disorders throughout their lives. Specialists in developmental pediatrics, neurology, psychiatry, psychology, and other fields work together to address each person’s needs. Services include medical and behavioral care, educational consultation, and resources to help families understand autism and find support.
Phone: 781-860-1700
Related conditions and treatments
Specialized care near you
View neurodevelopmental disorders locations
Contact the Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Service
McLean Hospital
617-855-3141
Brigham and Women's Hospital
617-732-6753
Massachusetts General Hospital
617-724-5600