Expert Support for Children with Autism
Why choose ChildServe?
Child-led Instruction
Our autism program offers a fun, family-focused environment with services designed around each child’s unique needs. We teach children new skills by tapping into their favorite activities and interests to make learning fun.
Standardized Testing
We use standardized testing tools from psychological, occupational and speech disciplines to evaluate many levels of a child’s functioning.
Who We Serve
Autism Day Program
Our Autism Day Program is the only one of its kind in Iowa. We offer specialized weekday care for children with ASD (ages two through six years old). Children receive positive behavioral support from staff along with occupational, speech, and physical therapy on-site during the day to promote overall health and development.
Children in the Autism Day Program participate in evidenced-based treatments focused on their needs, abilities, and goals. We use the STAR curriculum (Strategies for Teaching based on Autism Research), which is designed for children with ASD. The research-supported components of STAR align with therapy goals identified on each child’s plan and include systematic skill-building lessons and progress tracking. Research shows that children who receive early intervention for ASD have improved long-term outcomes in goal areas like independence and meaningful relationships.
The Autism Day Program is offered at ChildServe in Ames, Iowa City and Johnston.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
ABA is a science that seeks to understand how learning occurs. ChildServe ABA identifies the best approach to teach children new skills like communicating, engaging with others, learning independently, and other skills that help them be successful at home, school or in the community. Licensed behavior analysts and registered behavior technicians work with children and families to help them achieve their goals.
ChildServe provides ABA in a fun-filled, empathetic environment. Through our child-led approach, each child’s unique interests, likes and dislikes help us create a customized plan to make learning fun. ABA has a strong emphasis on parent training and family involvement. ABA is provided in 1:1 or group settings and can occur four to 30 hours per week.
Diagnostic Clinic
Family Education & Support
Life Skills Programming
ChildServe helps teens and young adults with ASD (ages 14-21 years old) make the transition to adulthood by building independence. Through supported, interactive activities, young adults learn daily living skills, employment skills, and job acquisition skills through group or individual therapy sessions. We teach functional routines and expressive/receptive language skills. Our specialists partner with parents to develop individualized plans and goals for each young adult.
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Outpatient Therapy
Research Partners
Our Team of Specialists
Social Worker
Physical Therapist
Licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started?
Referrals can be made by the child’s parent/guardian, physicians, case managers, therapists, or other members of the child’s care team. To make a referral or request more information about one of our programs, call us or email us using the contact info below.
Where are the services provided?
- ABA: Johnston and Ames
- Autism Day Program: Johnston, Ames and Iowa City
- Diagnostic Clinic: Johnston
- Life Skills: Johnston, Ames and Iowa City
- Medical Nutrition Therapy: Johnston
- Outpatient Therapy: Johnston, Ames and Iowa City
- Project ImPACT: Iowa City and Johnston
- Social Groups: Johnston, Ames and Iowa City
- PEERS Social Group: Johnston
When are services provided?
The Autism Day Program is available Monday – Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Friday 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Other Autism services, appointments and programming will be scheduled during the following time frames:
Ames/Johnston:
- Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Iowa City:
Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Contact Us!
515-727-8750
515-232-7220
319-351-5437
If you would like to make a referral, or if you have questions for our team, please email communications@childserve.org. Be sure to include which location you are interested in so we can connect you with the right team member.
ChildServe Center - Johnston
ChildServe Center - Ames
ChildServe Center - Iowa City
About
ChildServe improves the health and well-being of 5,200 children each year through specialized clinical, home, and community-based programs and services. We serve children with developmental delays, disabilities, injuries, and other special healthcare needs.
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Contact Us
Johnston | 515-727-8750
Ames | 515-232-7220
Des Moines | 515-280-5332
Iowa City | 319-351-5437
Links
Social Group Programming