FAQ

The initial assessment is conducted by Dr. Milijana Selaković, a specialist in developmental psychiatry with over 40 years of experience, in collaboration with psychologist Ivana Erić. Based on Dr. Selaković’s Special Integrative Method (SIM), which combines the treatment of comorbid conditions with speech therapy, special education, and psychological support, they jointly assess the child, monitor progress, and create individualized rehabilitation plans.

The initial assessment lasts about an hour, and it is important to bring any relevant medical records you have. While the presence of both parents is recommended, it is not mandatory. If the child is brought in by someone other than a parent or legal guardian, a signed consent form from the parent or guardian is required.

The assessment includes a detailed observation of the child, a conversation with the parents, a medical history review, and examination of existing documentation. Laboratory tests (blood, urine, and stool) are typically recommended to identify possible comorbidities. Based on the findings, a personalized treatment plan is developed and implemented by our multidisciplinary team, which includes a psychologist, speech therapist, special education specialist, sensory integration therapist, psychomotor reeducation specialist, physical education teacher, and music therapist.

Appointments are held on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 09:00 to 15:00, as well as every other Tuesday from 14:00 to 20:00. To schedule, please call us or use our online form, and we will contact you with a confirmation as soon as possible.

No. Our clinic also works with children with other developmental disorders such as disharmonious development, speech and language delays, attention disorders, etc. It is very important to address these issues early on, as they can later lead to significant challenges in the child's everyday functioning.

We also provide support for adults with intellectual disabilities, offer speech therapy for neurotypical children, and provide psychological support for both children and parents.

A team assessment involves evaluations conducted by the entire team: a child psychiatrist, psychologist, speech therapist, and special education specialist. The process includes two sessions with each professional, totaling eight sessions overall. The optimal duration is five days. At the end of the process, a comprehensive evaluation of the child’s condition is provided, along with written reports from each team member and recommendations for further treatment.

An individual assessment consists of two sessions with a selected specialist (psychologist, speech therapist, special education specialist, or sensory integration therapist), followed by a detailed written report and recommendations for further treatment.

Diagnosis and treatment of comorbid conditions are essential for a comprehensive understanding of autism and for providing effective support. Comorbidities such as gastrointestinal disorders, as well as immune and metabolic dysfunctions, often influence a child’s behavior and can mimic or intensify autism-related symptoms such as unresponsiveness to their name, social withdrawal, and repetitive behaviors.

Blood, urine, and stool analyses help identify these issues, which, according to both our clinical practice and global research, are present in over 70% of patients. This allows us to tailor dietary interventions and supplementation to best address these underlying problems. Treating these conditions improves not only the child’s overall health but also their behavior, leading to meaningful gains in everyday functioning and social interaction.

Dietary changes can have a significant impact on children with autism, especially when specific comorbid health issues are present, such as food allergies, intolerances, or gastrointestinal disorders. Eliminating certain foods that the child cannot tolerate or that trigger inflammatory processes—such as eggs, wheat gluten, or casein from milk—can lead to a reduction in autism-related symptoms, including improvements in behavior and social interaction. Specific peptides like gluten-derived gluteomorphin, which form when gluten is not properly digested, can affect the brain and worsen symptoms such as not responding to one’s name, withdrawing from social interaction, and engaging in repetitive behaviors. Based on our clinical experience and available research, gluten-free or casein-free diets—when paired with targeted supplements tailored to the child’s specific needs through individualized testing and ongoing monitoring—can greatly reduce gastrointestinal problems that impact behavior and lead to noticeable improvements in overall development and quality of life.

Regular check-ups and treatment sessions are crucial as they allow for continuous progress monitoring and treatment adjustments according to the child's current needs, especially in children with autism who may experience fluctuating symptoms and challenges.

Early interventions and intensive treatments during the first few years of therapy are particularly important, as this is the period when the most effective impact on development can be made. Therefore, investing in regular sessions and following the recommended treatment plan is vital for achieving optimal results, which in turn will lead to long-term improvements in the child's quality of life and well-being of their family.

Parental involvement plays a key role in the rehabilitation process. Parents are usually the first to recognize signs of developmental delay and reach out for help. Because they are with the child the most, applying therapeutic techniques and following professional guidance at home is crucial for long-term success. Only this kind of consistency can lead to the best possible rehabilitation outcomes.

Necessary components for effective treatment:

• Early diagnosis and intervention - starting the therapeutic process before the age of three, when the child has the greatest potential for progress

• An integrative approach to therapy addressing all areas of functioning - treating co-occurring conditions in combination with therapies such as speech therapy, psychomotor retraining, and sensory integration

• A team of experts - child psychiatrist, psychologist, speech therapist, special educator, sensory integration specialist, psychomotor retraining specialist, physical education teacher, and music therapist

• Individualized treatment - each child receives therapy tailored to their unique needs

• Parental involvement with ongoing support and guidance from our team

• Integration into typical environments - working on the development of social skills and helping the child adapt to everyday situations in the community

With early diagnosis and a well-implemented, integrative, and intensive program:

• 20-30% will progress to a level similar to their peers

• 10-20% will function very well in regular schools with some support

• 20-30% will function well in specialized schools

• 10% will require higher-level support

Of course, every child’s progress is highly individual and depends on their potential, timely and consistent intervention, as well as the dedication of their parents.