• PETCCU Physician Referral Form

Pediatric Evaluation and Treatment Center

The Pediatric Evaluation and Treatment Center at Children Unlimited (PETCCU) performs comprehensive evaluations, diagnoses, and treatments of children between the ages of 2 and 14 who are suspected of being on the Autism Spectrum.  The goal of PETCCU is to provide children and their families with the greatest possibility of success through early identification, while focusing on the child’s individual abilities and using those strengths to augment areas of difficulty. 

As recommended by the American Speech & Hearing Association, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders (Autism), and the American Academy of Pediatrics, the PETCCU utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach for both diagnosis and treatment.  Our staff, who have expertise in such areas as child development, pediatric psycho-social development, child psychiatry, and Autism Spectrum Disorders, all work collaboratively to identify a child’s unique characteristics.  Then, the evaluation team recommends individualized treatment protocols utilizing both local resources and as well as other experts throughout the state.

The Pediatric Evaluation Center includes the following team members:

• Walter M. “Ted” Wingate, M.D. Board Certified Child Psychiatrist with 20 years of experience diagnosing and treating children on the Autism Spectrum as well as other psychiatric conditions of childhood and adolescence.

• Sylvia Pollock, Ph.D.  Licensed psychologist in the state of New Hampshire, and New Jersey.  Dr. Pollock has been in practice for 40 years and specializes in evaluation and testing of children in various settings. 

• Jackie Sparks, M.S., OTR/L, IMHS Co-founder and Executive Director of Children Unlimited, Ms. Sparks received her MS in Occupational Therapy with a major in Pediatric Developmental Disabilities from Boston University.  She is a sensory integration specialist, a certified early intervention associate, a certified Infant Mental Health Specialist and a Post-graduate clinical infant mental health fellow at the Boston Institute of Psychotherapists.  Much of her early experience in Boston focused on successful ASD interventions. 

• JoAnn Kelly, M.S., C.C.C., SLP Co-founder of Children Unlimited, Ms. Kelly received her MS and BS in Communication Disorders from the University of New Hampshire, Durham.  She is one of four practitioners in the State of NH to be certified in the Hanen Program in Autism.  She is also the past winner of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association Award for Continuing Education. 

• Audrey Epstein, M.Ed.  A developmental therapist with 25 years of experience in early intervention, Ms. Epstein was trained as a nurse before becoming a Master’s level Early Childhood Special Needs educator.  She has significant experience administering the Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale. 

• Sarah Parsons, M.A.    An educational psychologist with 25 years of experience, Ms. Parsons works closely with the families to ensure they are receiving the support and resources that they need to best meet the needs of their child.  She also coordinates care between the evaluation team, medical professionals and educational supports for each child.

For more information on the Pediatric Evaluation and Treatment Center, please contact Sarah Parsons at 447-6356.