Cortica's Services and Therapies

Cortica empowers children with autism and other developmental differences to reach their fullest potential. We offer a variety of services, all under one roof. With Cortica, there is no need to drive around town to receive the highest quality of medical and therapeutic care for your child. With in-center, in-home, and telehealth options, we are here to support your family’s unique journey every step of the way. Below is a comprehensive list of the medical services, developmental therapies, behavior therapy, family support, and additional programs we offer.

Pediatric Neurology

Also called child neurology, this is a branch of medicine that treats children who have brain and nerve conditions. Cortica's doctors can provide evaluations, diagnoses, prescription and supplement management, and ongoing care.

Electroencephalography (EEG)

An EEG is a safe and non-invasive test that helps a doctor understand electrical activity in a person’s brain. An abnormal EEG test result occurs in about 2-4% of the general population, but 30-60% of those with autism. In some of these cases, the test can reveal seizure activity. The identification and reduction of seizures through appropriate treatment can improve behavior and brain function.

Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES)

CES is a device therapy that stimulates several nerves, including the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve runs between the brain and body, including the heart and abdomen. It helps the body "rest and digest." Vagus nerve stimulation is an FDA-cleared treatment for headaches. Additionally, a recent Cortica study shows CES to be well tolerated and effective in helping children with sleep, anxiety, and sensory sensitivity.

EndeavorRx™

EndeavorRx™ is the first and only FDA-approved prescription video game. It can help 8 to 12-year-olds with ADHD improve attention and focus. A Cortica physician can prescribe this technology when it is clinically appropriate.

Genetic Testing

Genetic testing can identify changes in a child's genes. Many different genetic changes can lead to a child developing autism. A Cortica doctor can order and read the results of many different kinds of genetic tests, including Fragile X, chromosomal microarray analysis, and whole-exome sequencing.

Metabolic and Mitochondrial Testing

Metabolic testing is a way to learn about a body's chemistry. By measuring blood and urine samples, a doctor can determine if a metabolic disorder is present. Metabolic conditions such as mitochondrial dysfunction may affect a large number of children with autism and related conditions.

Nutritional Counseling

For many reasons, children with autism may not get the nutrition they need for healthy growth and development. Working with a professional at Cortica to design a meal plan can help a child get all the nutrients they need to grow into a healthy adult.

Nutrition and Feeding Program

Cortica's Nutrition and Feeding Program focuses on improving a child's diet and building their eating skills. Our feeding therapists can help a child overcome difficulties with eating such as food selectivity and attention challenges at mealtime. Cortica's medical providers and feeding therapists work together to help a child receive the nutrients they need to grow and develop.

Music Therapy

With a guitar, piano, drums, or other instruments, a music therapist helps a child build skills through musical tools like rhythm and timing. Music therapy is an evidence-based treatment for autism. It can lead to improvements in socialization, self-regulation, and communication.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy targets skills that help a person with their “occupation.” A child’s occupation might be to play, interact with others, and carry out basic daily living skills. An occupational therapist at Cortica can help a child strengthen these skills so they can build independence and participate in the world.

Physical Therapy

Pediatric physical therapy focuses on improving mobility and working toward developmental milestones. At Cortica, a physical therapist can work with a child to increase their strength, balance, range of motion, posture, gait, and overall coordination. These improvements can help a child carry out their daily routine.

Speech-Language Therapy

Communication is often one of the most important goals for individuals who have speech and language-related challenges. Speech-language therapy at Cortica can help a child communicate their basic wants and needs. This therapy can also help a child engage with others.

ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the most widely used approach to behavior therapy for autism today. ABA can help individuals with autism gain real-world skills. Cortica takes a naturalistic approach to ABA. This means the child’s daily routines shape how the therapy is done. We offer ABA in-center, in-school, and in-home. In addition to one-on-one sessions, we also offer ABA in age-appropriate groups to promote social skills with peers.

PREP (Pre-K Readiness Early Intervention Program)

Cortica's Pre-K Readiness Early Intervention Program (PREP) is a group therapy program for 2 to 6-year-olds with ASD. This program prepares a child to enter a mainstream kindergarten classroom.

Parent Education

Parent or caregiver involvement in a child's treatment plan can increase positive outcomes. Cortica's ABA practitioners can teach caregivers techniques to use at home to support their children.

Counseling

Children with autism can experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. The support provided through counseling at Cortica can help to lessen these symptoms and create opportunities for mental wellbeing. Our counselors are trained in a variety of strategies to support engagement, even if there are communication or attention challenges. We also offer counseling for parents, siblings, and other family members.

Intensive Program

This self-pay program is for families who live internationally or in an area far from a Cortica center. To increase their child's developmental progress, a family can relocate to a Cortica center to seek in-person services for several months. After the in-person intensive program ends, a family can choose to continue services for their child by telehealth from home.

Early Intervention Services

Early intervention services are for children under the age of six. These services build motor, sensory, language, and social skills. They include individual and group ABA, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, music therapy, and parent education.