Mercy Kids Autism Center - Olive-Mason
Autism Center St. Louis
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a diagnostic term used to describe a range of developmental challenges affecting socialization, communication, and behavioral functioning. Children with ASD have difficulties with social interaction as well as verbal and nonverbal communication and also exhibit patterns of restricted interests and repetitive behaviors.
Autism Center Services
Mercy's Autism Center in St. Louis provides a child-and-family-centered approach to ASD. Our services include diagnosis, medical and psychological care, family navigation services, and treatment programs. We develop a tailor-made care plan for your child in partnership with you.
- ASD diagnosis & assessment – a complete evaluation of your child. We make recommendations for care, treatment & additional services as needed.
- Ongoing care - medical follow-up, psychological counseling, physical therapy, speech-language therapy & occupational therapy
- Family navigation services
- Augmentative & alternative communication – a program for children with severe communication challenges.
- Feeding dysfunction evaluation - we offer a team for children with concerns about eating, chewing, or swallowing.
- Pediatric nutrition & dietary services – consultations on healthy diets & how to adapt food preferences to improve nutrition for children with ASD.
- On-site genetic counseling – for families who can benefit from genetic testing and to help interpret results.
Accurate diagnosis of ASD and early intervention is crucial to helping a child reach his or her greatest potential.
Autism Symptoms
Symptoms range from mild to severe, and most children with ASD have associated medical and developmental conditions. While diagnosis can sometimes be made as early as 12 months of age, more obvious signs of autism may not be apparent until 24-36 months of age. In some situations, symptoms may not cause concerns until the elementary or middle school years.
Meet Our Team
Meet Our Autism Navigator
Laura Meyer, MSW, LMSW
Autism Navigator
Laura Meyer, MSW, LMSW
Autism Navigator
Meet Our Speech-Language Pathologists
Kristi Schwantner, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Ruth Roper, MA, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Allison de Miranda, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Stefanie Vollet, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Kristi Schwantner, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Ruth Roper, MA, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Allison de Miranda, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Stefanie Vollet, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Meet Our Genetic Counselor
Mitchell Cunningham, CGC
Genetic Counselor
Mitchell Cunningham, CGC
Genetic Counselor
Meet Our Autism Navigation Team
Christy Horton, MSW, LCSW
Autism Navigator
Christy Horton, MSW, LCSW
Autism Navigator
Becky Ried
Autism Resource Specialist
Becky Ried
Autism Resource Specialist
Welcome to Parents with a Purpose - Mercy Kids Autisum Center
Receiving an Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis - Mercy Kids Autism Center
Autism and Your Family - Mercy Kids Autism Center - PWAP