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
Is Watching TV Good for Kids with ASD?
While some studies suggest that too much screen time can negatively impact the development of young children’s language and social skills, watching television can offer valuable tools and lessons and be very beneficial for kids with ASD. For example, videos that teach...
Can Some Children Outgrow Autism?
Is it possible for a child diagnosed with autism to ‘outgrow’ it when they get older? A 2013 study of 112 children published by the National Institutes of Health suggested that 34 individuals diagnosed with ASD went on to function as well as neurotypical...
5 Tips for Making the Holidays Autism-Friendly
While the holiday season is a time to reflect on your blessings and express gratitude for all the wonderful things in life, it can also be very stressful for people with autism and their families. Here are some tips for making the holidays autism-friendly with...
ASD and Covid 19 – What Caregivers Need to Know
It’s no secret that COVID-19 caused significant disruptions in the daily lives of youth with ASD and their families, from changes in school routines to quarantines and social isolation. COVID restrictions and mask-wearing requirements were difficult enough for many...
Easing the Stress of Chronic Caregiving
Findings from a recent report published by Family Process are not surprising: nearly 50 percent of mothers of children with autism reported symptoms of depression compared to mothers with neurotypical children over the same time period. The researchers also...
Is Your Child Bullied at School? How Parents of Children with ASD Can Help
Nationally, an estimated 22 percent of students ages 12 – 18 experience bullying, which can result in negative physical, emotional, social, academic, and mental health issues. Bullying can happen on or off school grounds, and in rural, suburban, and urban areas. It...
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.