Harsha Autism Center
About Us
Changing Challenges Into Strengths
Our facility is a therapeutic center serving the Wabash Valley for individuals with neurobehavioral issues that features a flexible design that enables us to structure the environment to meet the needs of each child, rather than expecting the child to conform to our structure.
The facility was designed to be open and modular. We recognize that the needs of one child don’t always reflect the needs of another and our facility is flexible as a result. Unlike many centers serving this population, we don’t modify the environment to make it dramatically different from neurotypical environment until we have proof of concrete benefits from such modifications.
This approach reduces the barriers our clients must overcome to become comfortable in more traditional surroundings.
Our Story
Paras Harshawat, M.D and his wife Roopam have lived in Terre Haute since 1990. Dr. Harshawat was the Medical Director of Charter Hospital in Terre Haute from 1990 to 1999 during that period Dr. Harshawat started his private practice and his wife Roopam managed the practice.
Dr. Harshawat has always had great compassion for individuals with developmental disabilities, MRDD, ADD, autism etc. having treated a large number of patients with this diagnosis. He has also been the medical director of several facilities that house these individuals and travels long distances to take care of them.
Recognizing the need for inpatient psychiatric services in the Terre Haute area Harsha Behavioral Center was formed and it opened its doors on August 18, 2008.
Due to Dr. Harshawat’s expertise in treating children and adolescents with autism the hospital started seeing a significant number of patients admitted with autism. These patients were coming to the hospital from all over the Midwest.
The Harshawats realized that these children and adolescents needed ongoing care to improve the quality of their lives and Harsha Autism Center was started.
Our Blog
Latest News & Resources
Supporting a Grandchild with Autism
Are you the grandparent of a grandchild diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)? Grandparents can play an important role in the life of their grandchild and develop a close bond that is beneficial and rewarding for both the child and the adult. Grandparents can...
Early Diagnosis Means Better Outcomes
Although autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be diagnosed at any age, it is described as a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first 24 months of life. ASD can usually be reliably diagnosed by the time children are two years old. It’s...
It’s Back to School Time! How to Make the Transition Easier for Children with ASD
The first day of school can be stressful for kids of any age, whether they’re just starting kindergarten or heading off to college. For children with autism, adjusting to a new classroom, teachers, and schedule can be especially challenging. However, with planning and...
Nutrition and ASD
Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have food aversions and sensitivities to certain food colors, textures, flavors, or smells that make mealtimes challenging. Parents many worry their child isn’t getting enough nutritious foods, especially if the child...
The Growing Demand for BCBAs
A report issued in 2021 by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board shows that the demand for behavior analysts with board certification has increased nearly 6,000 percent over the past twelve years. Demand for behavior analyst assistants who hold certification has...
5 Calming Techniques for Children with ASD
Many children with ASD may act out when they’re stressed, fearful, frustrated, or anxious. Because children with ASD often have difficulty expressing and communicating their feelings in socially acceptable ways, their distress may take the form of an emotional...
Questions about insurance ?
We support our clients with a dedicated insurance team member within our company — that has years of experience in managed care contracting, coding, authorizations and billing issues. We are your advocate and partner in maximizing the potential benefits of your insurance coverage.