Stunned parents may face even greater complexity at times. Some children with a developmental disability also may be given a “dual diagnosis” — determination that they have autism in combination with a psychiatric disorder that further complicates an already difficult condition.

For example, autism afflicts one of every 155 children. The etiology — the cause(s) or origin — of autism is not known, but we know that it is highly complex, and we know much about its treatment. Many children with autism also have a psychiatric disorder such as ADHD, an anxiety disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, and on rare occasions their condition can degenerate into a thought disorder resembling schizophrenia. Many individuals with a developmental disability also have severe barriers to effective communication with those around them, including their care providers. Treatments to improve their quality of lives are essential for patients and their family members alike.

Here at Healing Pathways Medical Clinic we have expertise in diagnosis and effective treatment of developmentally disabled individuals who also have a psychiatric disorder. The clinic psychiatrist, Dr. Paul Copeland, is affiliated with Alta California Regional Center, a private non-profit corporation that performs support services for people with developmental disabilities under contract with the California Department of Developmental Services. Individuals who have been given a “dual diagnosis” constitute about 20 percent of Dr. Copeland’s caseload, and he has an exceptional track record of successful treatment. Dr. Copeland’s personal experience with his developmentally disabled brother gives him a deep understanding and guides his empathetic approach in treating this special population with the best possible care.

In addition, Healing Pathways Medical Clinic collaborates closely with Applied Behavior Consultants Inc. (ABC), a respected social services agency that specializes in early intensive behavior intervention for children with autism. Healing Pathways has extensive experience in application of the science of behavior analysis, data collection and accurate observations in combination with astute and careful pharmacologic intervention in severe cases of developmental disabilities. Our approaches using combinations of applied behavioral analysis and psychopharmacology have proven effective in treating patients who are self-injurious, assaultive, nonverbal, and resistant to conventional intervention. You may be interested in testimonial accounts by family members of some of our clients.

We also have achieved success incorporating exercise routines and Yoga-inspired relaxation techniques in the general regimen of individuals who have a developmental disability as well as a psychiatric disorder. Yoga is a mind-body practice with its origins in ancient East Indian philosophy. The various styles of Yoga that people use for health purposes typically combine physical postures, breathing techniques and relaxation. Yoga generally is considered to be safe in healthy people when practiced appropriately.

Healing Pathways also offers treatment of learning and emotional problems and stresses in children with special education needs and psychiatric disorders in children with developmental disabilities, as well as treatment of the adjudicated juvenile sex offender and comprehensive treatment of all major psychiatric disorders.

Healing Pathways: Your road to contentment begins here.