Our diagnostic pathway.
ACN provides access to strengths-based, individually tailored autism screenings and medical diagnostic evaluations catering to children with referrals 0-5 years and 6 months of age and their families. Evaluations are offered on-site or via telehealth and can be completed in Spanish or in English.
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Diagnostic Evaluation
Currently, ACN offers two different diagnostic tracks dependent upon the unique presentation of the child and family determined at their screening. Diagnostic teams at ACN may be comprised of any of the following neurodiversity-affirming clinical specialists: a developmental-behavioral pediatrician, a pediatric neurologist, a psychologist, an occupational therapist, a speech-language pathologist, a behavior analyst, and/or a clinical social worker. All diagnostic appointments are completed within one day to make the process as convenient as possible for the family.
Autism-specific developmental screenings
Initial screenings, offered via telehealth or on-site, are performed by an expert autism clinician. Our screeners globally assess to determine developmental strengths, developmental delays, and/or neurodevelopmental differences that may impede the child’s ability to function and thrive. The screening assures that each family will receive immediate feedback and recommendations for supporting their child’s development. If determined to be necessary, the family will be guided in scheduling a diagnostic appointment with ACN tailored toward their individual needs. Additionally, the provision of this screener allows families an accurate idea of their child’s developmental profile and offers recommendations for other supportive services and/or therapeutic interventions while the family waits for full diagnostic evaluation.
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Earliest Connection Clinic
Our Earliest Connections Clinic (ECC) was launched in January 2019 with startup funding from Philanthropitch, and continues to flourish through funding from the United Way. ECC provides surveillance and diagnostic assessment for children between the ages of 6 and 36 months of age who are demonstrating developmental differences. Evidence suggests diagnosis of autism can be quite stable as early as 14 months of age (Pierce, 2019). Families noting early developmental differences in their children no longer need to “wait and see", but can team up with ACN to “watch and support”, empowering them to understand and connect with their child and to harness the malleability and neurological plasticity of a developing brain.
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Case Management
Following the diagnostic appointment, our social work team will reach out to help you navigate the “How are WE” and "What's next?" questions. We work with you to determine supports that may be added to scaffold each member of the family’s needs and to create a uniquely tailored plan for next steps your family may consider. Our goal at ACN is to serve as a continuous platform of support for families pre-, during, and following diagnosis. We invite you to the many quality-of-life resources made available to you through our organization. Additionally, we connect you with external resources that may supplement support for your family as you begin navigating your journey. At ACN, the family is our client, and we find that when the family system is supported, the neurodiverse child can thrive.
Cost of Diagnostic Services
We accept many forms of medical insurance, including Medicaid. Contact Vanessa Amaya at:
Cancellation Policy
Appointments with ACN are in high demand, therefore, we require a minimum of 48 hours notice for cancellation, which affords us the opportunity to offer the time slot to another patient.
Late Arrivals
Delays happen, however, if you arrive more than 15 minutes past your scheduled appointment time we will have to reschedule your visit.