Executive Summary

The LADDERS program is under the direction of Dr. Margaret L. Bauman. Dr. Margaret L. Bauman is a distinguished pediatric neurologist, who is greatly respected for the outstanding clinical care she provides to children and adults, and for her research and teaching on developmental disorders. At present, Dr. Bauman's patient base at LADDERS, includes children, adolescents and adults with autism, pervasive developmental disorders, Rett syndrome, learning disabilities, Attention Deficit Disorder, seizures and headaches. With the support and commitment of the Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Bauman seeks to expand the program so that the highest quality services reach both children and adults.

In addition to the leadership of Dr. Bauman, a tax-exempt advisory and support organization composed of parents, family members, community volunteers and business leaders has been formed. It is the goal of “Friends of LADDERS” to raise additional funds to support the many programs offered by LADDERS and to help realize the vision of a LADDERS “campus” where families will find resources, intervention and programs dedicated to enhancing and developing their developmentally challenged child’s talents and strengths.

LADDERS is collaborating with Behavioral Pediatrics & Family Development, Inc. (BPFD). This collaboration has enabled LADDERS to assist autistic individuals who might benefit from a behavioral approach. This has also enabled the two programs to work together on two clinical research projects, one relating to the evaluation of an autistic male using facilitated communication, and a second relating to the evaluation of the use of hand splints in females with Rett syndrome in order to increase hand function. Clinical and research relationships will be expanded in future years as a result of this collaboration.

With respect to teaching, Residents in Neurology (MGH) and Child Psychiatry from Cambridge Hospital and as well as graduate students from Boston-based colleges and universities have been provided with a well-received learning opportunity in developmental pediatrics. This practicum experience has been offered to graduate students in occupational and physical therapy, speech pathology, neuropsychology, developmental psychology, social service , nursing and education.

All LADDERS staff have advanced degrees in their respective fields. Each has been recruited not only for their expertise and ability to relate to patients and families, but for their interest in clinical research and professional growth. The children and adults served by LADDERS offer a unique opportunity to study the effect of specific therapeutic interventions and to investigate new and possibly more beneficial treatment modalities. The determination of the potential benefits of specific intervention, will be important to establish, including the quality and intensity of service, particularly in the present medical economic climate and given the nature of the therapies currently being provided to individuals with autism, PDD and other physical, language and cognitive disabilities.

For more information about LADDERS, visit MassGeneral Hospital for Children at http://www.massgeneral.org/children/specialtiesandservices/ladders/default.aspx.