Center for Autism and Related Disorders

Specialties

The Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) treats individuals of all ages who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using the principles and procedures of applied behavior analysis (ABA). ABA is empirically proven to be the most effective method for treating individuals with ASD and is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Surgeon General. Each program is customized to target an individual’s behaviors and deficits based on a comprehensive set of assessments and extensive interactions with the family to ensure that the most challenging, disruptive, and potentially at-​risk behaviors are prioritized as the individual with ASD begins to overcome the developmental delays commonly associated with ASD.

CARD is committed to remaining at the forefront of research on autism assessment and treatment. In August, 2009, CARD researchers published the first-​ever study to document recovery in a large group of children with ASD. «Retrospective Analysis of Clinical Records in 38 Cases of Recovery from Autism,» published in the Annals of Clinical Psychiatry, earned CARD’s executive director, Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA-​D, the prestigious American Academy of Clinical Psychiatrists 2011 George Winokur Research Award.

History

Established in 1990.

CARD was established in 1990 by Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh. Dr. Granpeesheh studied autism treatment for 12 years under the direction of renowned autism treatment scientist Dr. Ivar Lovaas at the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Lovaas discovered that intensive early intervention using applied behavior analysis treatment yielded a 47 percent recovery rate among children with autism who participated in his study. Building off these findings, Dr. Granpeesheh and her associates authored a treatment curriculum for children diagnosed with autism now known as the CARD Model and opened the first CARD office in Los Angeles, California, in 1990. Today, CARD has grown to a staff of over 1,000 highly trained professionals worldwide.

Meet the Business Owner

Doreen G.

Business Owner

Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh is a world-​renowned clinical psychologist and expert in the field of autism research and treatment who has dedicated over 30 years to helping individuals with autism lead healthy, productive lives. With a PhD in psychology from UCLA, Dr. Granpeesheh is licensed by the medical boards of California, Texas, Virginia, and Arizona and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. She is the 2011 recipient of the American Academy of Clinical Psychiatrists’ prestigious Winokur Award.

Dr. Granpeesheh is also the founder and president of ACT Today! (Autism Care and Treatment Today!), a national nonprofit organization that grants funding for resources and treatments to disadvantaged families affected by autism spectrum disorder.

Current and Prior Science, Advisory and Executive Board Positions

Autism Society of America

ACT Today!

US Autism and Asperger Association

4-​A Healing Foundation

The Autism File Magazine

Autism 360/​Medigenesis

SEARCH Family Autism Resource Center