Lurie Center for Autism
The Lurie Center is a multidisciplinary program designed to evaluate and treat children, adolescents and adults with a wide variety of conditions including autism and autism spectrum disorders, Asperger syndrome and developmental delays. It is the clinical arm of the Lurie Center for Autism, which also has research, advocacy and training programs.
Lurie Center for Autism ANNUAL UPDATE-APRIL 2013
Our Mission is to advance the knowledge of autism spectrum and related disorders and to rapidly translate discovery into expectional clinical care over a lifetime.
Learn more about what has been happening at the Lurie Center this past year. Annual Update (pdf)
Meet the Team
Lurie Center for Autism Director
Lurie Center Medical Director
Our Providers
- Margaret Bauman, MD
Neurology - Timothy Buie, MD
Gastroenterology - Susan Connors, MD
Internal Medicine - Gillian Erhabor, PhD
Psychology - Nora Friedman, MD
Psychiatry - Jessica Helt-Cameron, NP
Neurodevelopmental
Pediatrics - Charles Henry, MD
Psychiatry - Katherine Martien, MD
Neurodevelopmental
Pediatrics - Aeri Moon, MD
Gastroenterology - Lisa Nowinski, PhD
Psychology - Laura Politte, MD
Psychiatry - Ron Thibert, MD
Neurology - Timothy Yu, MD
Neurology - Andrew Zimmerman, MD
Neurology
Family Resource Specialists
Our on-site Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech-Language Therapy Services are provided by Spaulding Rehabilitation specialists:
The Lurie Center for Autism is an integrated and multidisciplinary clinical, research, training and advocacy program dedicated to treating individuals with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disorders. The Lurie Center is the primary clinical care and clinical research site implementing the broader goals of the Lurie Center for Autism.
The Lurie Center is born out of a philosophy that people with developmental disabilities deserve to be viewed as individuals, each with personal patterns of talents and challenges. We strongly believe each individual deserves the opportunity for access to the quantity and quality of services needed to reach his or her full potential, regardless of economic, social or ethnic background.
The Lurie Center is a multidisciplinary program designed to evaluate and treat children, adolescents and adults with a wide variety of neurodevelopmental conditions. Individuals seeking evaluation or services for the following conditions are frequently referred to the Lurie Center:
- Autism spectrum disorders (ASD), including Asperger’s disorder, pervasive developmental disorders-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and autistic disorder
- Developmental delays
- Language and learning disabilities
- Intellectual disabilities
- Angelman syndrome
- Fragile X syndrome
- Rett’s disorder
- Tuberous sclerosis
- Tourette's disorder
- Williams syndrome
- Other neurological conditions.
We specialize in caring for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders who may also have accompanying conditions such as Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, sleep problems, gastrointestinal conditions, and many other physical or cognitive concerns.
Our physicians evaluate patients and develop a comprehensive plan for each patient, which can be shared with the caregiver, referring physician, school and/or community program. Care is taken to help the family locate appropriate resources. Long-term follow-up care is provided via periodic consultations.
Collaborative Partners
Transition Support Services
The Lurie Center at Massachusetts General Hospital provides support to our families of adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) as they transition into adulthood. Learn more about transition support at the Lurie Center.Programs and Therapies
Our mission is to treat individuals and support their families across the lifespan
The Lurie Center is a multidisciplinary program designed to evaluate and treat children, adolescents and adults with a wide variety of neurodevelopmental conditions. The Lurie Center provides expertise in neurology, developmental pediatrics, psychiatry, gastroenterology, neuropsychology, educational consultation, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.
The Lurie Center clinical model combines evaluation and treatment by physicians, psychologists, and nurse practitioners in collaboration with other professionals involved in the individual’s care, including educational consultants, speech-language pathologists, and physical and occupational therapists. Our unique approach is applied not only to diagnosis but also to identifying the most appropriate interventions and therapies for each patient’s special needs. The multidisciplinary model further offers the opportunity for the care team to more effectively communicate and learn from each other to improve complex clinical care.
Our goal is to provide services for individuals across the lifespan at our Lexington clinic or through referral to other resources.
Evaluation and Services Overview
- Adult Developmental Services (transition age through adulthood)
- Neurology Evaluations & Services
- Psychiatry Evaluations & Services
- Gastroenterology Evaluations & Services
- Psychological & Educational Evaluations & Services
- Speech-Language Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Family Support Services
- Aspire
The Lurie Center is a multidisciplinary program designed to evaluate and treat children, adolescents and adults with a wide variety of neurodevelopmental conditions. Individuals seeking evaluation or services for the following conditions are frequently referred to the Lurie Center:
- Autism spectrum disorders (ASD), including Asperger’s disorder, pervasive developmental disorders-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and autistic disorder
- Developmental delays
- Language and learning disabilities
- Intellectual disabilities
- Angelman syndrome
- Fragile X syndrome
- Rett’s disorder
- Tuberous sclerosis
- Tourette's disorder
- Williams syndrome
- Other neurological conditions.
Navigating Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
Our mission is to treat individuals and support their families over the lifespan
Finding the way through the world of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) can be a daunting task. Families often struggle to separate the overload of information from thousands of sources. It is difficult to know what theories to question and which sources to trust. It is also challenging to decide what applies to each situation, how to prioritize, and how to take action.
This site addresses common questions and concerns about ASD with evidence-based answers that have been reviewed by professionals at the Lurie Center for Autism. Our goal is to continually update this resource as new information is discovered, evidence develops and new research is published.
Autism Care Plan
The Massachusetts General Hospital for Children's Autism Care Plan (ACP) addresses non-medical needs of an individual with autism when in the hospital setting. Parents/guardians are encouraged to fill out the ACP.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Through The Lifespan
Learn about:
Topics Related to ASD
Find reliable information on topics often linked with ASD
Social Narratives
Learn how social narratives can help individuals with ASD improve their understanding of events and expectations
Helpful Organizations and Websites
Find organizations and websites with useful information related to ASD
Education Find Lurie Center's workshops, trainings, and speaker series
Roger A. Bauman Parent Speaker Series
Learn about the Parent Speaker Series, a series of lectures sponsored by Friends of Lurie (FOL) for caregivers of individuals with ASD
Neuroscience Center Innovates, Grows
The Neuroscience Center at MassGeneral Hospital for Children is a growing program designed to accelerate research and provide state-of-the-art care for children with neurological disorders.
Chris McDougle, MD, Named to Nancy Lurie Marks Professorship
Congratulations to Chris McDougle, MD, the first incumbent of the Nancy Lurie Marks Professorship in the Field of Autism at Harvard Medical School.
An All-Out Assault on Autism
U.S.News & World Report article includes overview of the Lurie Center for Autism and quotes Margaret Bauman, MD.
Lurie Center Part of the Largest Drug Study for Treatment of Impaired Social Relatedness in Autism
The Lurie Center for Autism will take part in the largest study ever done on a medication to treat impaired social relatedness in children and teenagers with autism spectrum disorders.
Christopher J. McDougle, MD, honored by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
The George Tarjan Award recognizes a child and adolescent psychiatrist who has made significant contributions in a lifetime career or single seminal work to the understanding or care of those with developmental disabilities. These contributions must have national and/or international stature and clearly demonstrate lasting effects.
Christopher J. McDougle, MD, named among top 1% of doctors by U.S. News & World Report
Dr. McDougle is listed among the top 1% of doctors in the nation in the specialty of child and adolescent psychiatry.
In General: Christopher J. McDougle, MD
In General awards and honors
MGHfC launches new clinics and program
MassGeneral Hospital for Children(MGHFC) recently rolled out two new clinics – the Angelman Syndrome Clinic and the Child and Adolescent Medical Psychiatry (ChAMP) Clinic – and a new weight and asthma program, Inspired Health.
No Connection Between School Shooting and Asperger's Syndrome
In a blog post shared here, D. Scott McLeod, PhD, a MassGeneral Hospital for Children psychologist and executive director of Aspire Program, says persons with ASD are no more likely to commit a violent act than persons not on the autism spectrum.
Lurie Center for Autism receives $10 million in gifts
The Lurie Center for Autism receives two gifts of $5 million to support research and operations.
A slam dunk for the Lurie Center
THE LURIE CENTER FOR AUTISM at the MGH and MassGeneral Hospital for Children was one of the beneficiaries of the 14th annual Full Court Charity Challenge March 16 at Basketball City in Boston.
Research of Ronald Thibert, DO, MsPH
Ronald Thibert, DO, MsPH is a pediatric epileptologist in the Pediatric Epilepsy Program at MGHfC and the Lurie Center for Autism, specializing in the treatment of children with difficult to control seizures. He has a special interest in children with autistic spectrum disorders, especially those with Angelman syndrome and duplications of chromosome 15q (Dup15q). He is the director of both the Angelman syndrome clinic and the Dup15q Center at MGHfC and the Lurie Center and the majority of his clinical research focuses on the treatment of seizures in these 2 genetic disorders.
Frontiers in Pediatrics Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition 2013
This course is designed to meet one or more of the following Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education competencies: Patient care; Medical knowledge; Practice-based learning and improvement; Interpersonal and communication skills; Professionalism; Systems-based practice
Laura Politte, MD
Dr. Politte is a psychiatrist at the Lurie Center Autism. She takes care of adults and children who have behavorial and mental health needs.
Jessica Helt-Cameron, NP
Jessica Helt-Cameron talks about her work at the Lurie Center for Autism.
Your Visit to the Lurie Center
Your visit to the Lurie Center, starting with the view from the parking lot and including what you will see when you walk into the building, checking in at the front desk, what the waiting rooms look like, and what happens during an exam.
Katherine Martien, MD
Dr. Kathy Martien talks about her work as a pediatrician and neuodevelopmental disability specialist at the Lurie Center for Autism.
Lisa Nowinski, PhD
Dr. Lisa Nowinski talks about her work as a neuropsychologist at the Lurie Center for Autism.
Ann Neumeyer, MD
Dr. Ann Neumeyer, the medical director at the Lurie Center for Autism, talks about her work as a neurologist.
Gretchen Timmel, MEd
Gretchen Timmel works with adults and children at the Lurie Center for Autism.
Christopher McDougle, MD
Dr. Christopher McDougle, the director of the Lurie Center for Autism, talks about his work as a psychiatrist.
Susan Connors, MD
Dr. Susan Connors talks about her work at the Lurie Center for Autism.
Andrew Zimmerman, MD
Dr. Andrew Zimmerman talks about his work at the Lurie Center for Autism.
Margaret Bauman, MD
Dr. Margaret Bauman talks about her work at the Lurie Center for Autism.
Charles Henry, MD
Dr. Charles Henry talks about his work at the Lurie Center for Autism.
Suzanne Bloomer, MA
Suzanne Bloomer talks about her work as the autism resource specialist at the Lurie Center for Autism.
Julie O'Brien, LMHC
Julie O’Brien, LMHC, talks about her work at the Lurie Center for Autism.
Roger A. Bauman Parent Speaker Series
Learn about the Parent Speaker Series, a series of lectures sponsored by Friends of Lurie (FOL) for caregivers of individuals with ASD
Lurie Center for Autism
1 Maguire RoadLexington, MA 02421
Phone: 781-860-1700
Fax: 781-860-1766
Email: luriecenter@partners.org
Hours: 8:30 – 5:00
Public Transportation Access: yes
Disabled Access: yes
To schedule an appointment with a MassGeneral for Children pediatric specialist, please call 781-860-1700.
Physicians may call 781-860-1704.
Learn about research opportunities at the Lurie Center for Autism 
The Lurie Center for Autism conducts innovative research to advance knowledge of autism spectrum and developmental disorders.
Deconstructing Autism
The week little Neil Buckley lost all his words, Maura and Paul Buckley lost their bearings.
Educational Opportunities at the Lurie Center for Autism
The Lurie Center for Autism is committed to advancing knowledge about autism spectrum disorders (ASD) for families, professionals, students, and trainees.
