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Caregiver Ambassador Program (CAP) ACN offers a Caregiver Ambassador Program designed to connect new and more practiced autism caregivers. Through the program, participants are able to share resources, discuss best practices, and learn from each other’s experiences. This program provides support, guidance, and education to families who are new to autism caregiving. Additionally, it helps experienced caregivers stay up-to-date with the latest research and advancements in autism care. 02 What do I ask my ambassador? Feel free to ask you ambassador anything you think might help. If you are unsure about where to go to sign up for Medicaid waiver programs, or if you need help with finding a great place for haircuts, our CAP's will share with you what has worked best for them and other resources they may have heard about. All CAP's are familiar with ACN's services and can get you to the right place if they don't have an answer. 01 How CAP works. The Caregiver Ambassador Program pairs families new to our herd with caregiver volunteers of our organization. The program helps give families and caregivers a friend who has experienced similar circumstances, successes and struggles and is further along on their autism journey. 03 What else do ambassadors do? CAP's are volunteers for the organization and may be found representing our ACN family at special events and resource fairs handing out swag and educational/promotional information. CAP's are leaders of the herd, families who have a special passion to support other autism families in any way possible. How to start: Contact our CAP Team. Autism Community Network wants to pair you with the right ambassador. Whether you are a grandparent, father or mother, we have someone who can keep it real with you, guide you to real answers, and celebrate real victories! Request An Ambassador

Caregiver Empowerment. At Autism Community Network, we know the best way to connect with others in the autism community is through fun and play! We offer a variety of programs designed for the whole family. Our Caregiver Empowerment Program aims to fortify the entire caregiver system with kindred relationships and critical knowledge to improve the overall wellness of your family. 02 SibShops SibShops are fun and energetic events that celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of autistic children. Participants will meet other neurotypical siblings of autistic children while having fun, laughing, and connecting on all aspects of having an autistic sibling. SibShops combine information and discussion activities with fun, high-energy games, food activities, and arts and crafts. SibShops are distinguished from general recreational programs by implementing discussion activities in each session. Discussion activities allow neurotypical siblings a safe space to share their own experiences while a facilitator actively listens and validates their feelings. Sibshops events are typically 2-4 hours long and may have 5-10 participants in each group. They are currently held once per month on the ACN campus. SibShops are designed for school-age children and seek to provide siblings with opportunities for peer support within a fun, recreational context that emphasizes a kids view. We believe that brothers and sisters have much to offer one another if given a chance. SibShops are our commitment to the well-being of the family member most likely to have the longest-lasting relationship with the autistic child. This program is generously supported by Circle Bar Foundation. 01 Camp AUsome! Camp AUsome! provides summer programming for autistic children and their siblings. From play-based camps to learning to code, our camps have it all! Click the link below for more information. Read More 03 Fam Jams ACN's Quarterly Fam Jams are sensory-friendly, neurodiversity-affirming community celebrations for the whole family. We will provide the food, music, and fun. All we need to complete the party is you and your loved ones. For information on our upcoming parties, please follow our event calendar and/or social media. Registration is required. If you or your organization is interested in volunteering at a Fam Jam, please email Katie Benson at katie@acn-sa.org. 04 Caregiver Ambassador Program Each family receiving an autism diagnosis has a different emotional experience. Some families would like a person with lived experience to take their hand as they embark on this new pathway. Our Caregiver Ambassador Program (CAP) connects families new to the autism community with seasoned caregivers. Together, both families can grow in knowledge and lean into each other along their journeys. For more information, follow the link below. Read More 05 Parent Groups Autism Community Network takes pride in offering a range of support groups tailored to the diverse needs of our community. We understand that individuals and families navigating the world of autism and neurodiversity often require different forms of support and guidance. Two of our prominent support groups are the PACT Parent Empowerment Pod (P-PEP) and the Neurture Project, each designed to provide specialized assistance to caregivers at different stages of their journeys. The PACT Parent Empowerment Pod (P-PEP) is an invaluable support group aimed at parents who have already participated in our PACT program. PACT equips parents with essential skills and knowledge to better support their child on the autism spectrum. Following their completion of PACT, parents may find themselves in need of continued support and connection with peers who have shared similar experiences. P-PEP serves as a lifeline, offering a supportive community where these parents can share insights, challenges, and triumphs, fostering a sense of empowerment and resilience. The Neurture Project is another vital support group specifically designed for caregivers of infants and toddlers, including those born during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The early years are critical for neurodiverse children, and the Neurture Project recognizes the unique needs and concerns that caregivers face during this period. Our support group provides a nurturing space where caregivers can connect, share experiences, and access valuable resources to navigate the uncertainties of raising neurodivergent infants and toddlers, especially in the context of a global health crisis. Both P-PEP and the Neurture Project exemplify Autism Community Network's commitment to providing tailored support that meets the evolving needs of individuals and families affected by autism and neurodiversity. We believe that through these support groups, we can empower caregivers with knowledge, camaraderie, and resilience, fostering a stronger and more inclusive community for all.

Reserve Your Spot Now! Tickets, tables, and sponsorship information below. Bet on BIG Futures! Your donation makes a direct impact in the lives of the children and their families who walk through our doors each each day. With your support, we can continue to provide life-changing services at ACN. Why Support ACN? Event proceeds will be used to support autistic children and the people who love them. ACN provides diagnostic services, innovative therapies, camps and after school clubs, support groups, educational offerings, free community events and more. Save your seat! Choose one of the options below to purchase a ticket, table, or sponsorship! First name Last name Email(Required) Select your Ticket, Table, or Sponsorship opportunity Individual Ticket $200 Let's Roll Table $2,000 Lucky Hand Table $3,000 Royal Flush Table $5,000 High Stakes Table $10,000 Casino Table Game Sponsor $750 Cocktail Sponsor $2,000 Table Beverage Sponsor $2,000 Cigar Bar Sponsor $2,000 Champagne Sponsor $2,000 Number of Individual Tickets Order Now

:Le Brunch des Chapeaux Raffle Items Package #1 Beauty Package Parkhurst Luxe Medical Spa | Morpheus 8 Sugar & Lash | Lash Treatments HOTWORX | One Month Membership Heights IV | Treatment Skin Atelier | Laser Treatment & BBL Moxy Kelly Wade | Gift Card RFSA | Hydrafacial & Botox LOMI | Lomi Beauty Products & Bespoke Facial Jordan & Peterson | Gloz Deluxe Facial & Assorted Products Valued at $8,100 123-456-7890 info@mysite.com Package #2 Men's Package Bader Ranch | Dove Hunt for 8 People Dury's Gun Shop | Gift Card Origins Spa | $1,500 Laser Hair Removal Minx & Onyx | Vintage Whiskey Glasses & Matching Ice Bucket with Tongs New Braunfels Smoke House | Gift Card Chestnut Farms Bottled in Bond Bourbon (750mL) Valued at $5,100 123-456-7890 info@mysite.com Package #3 Staycation - San Antonio Sol Cypress Hotel | 1 Night Stay Elsewhere | Elsewhere Experience Bistr09 | Gift Card St. Bernard | Gift Card Penny Lane | Gift Card Majestic Theatre | Diana Krall Tickets Blü Prime Steakhouse | Gift Card The Alamo | Exhibit Tickets Citrine Home | Gift Card San Antonio Museum of Art | 4 Day Passes Valued at $2,800 123-456-7890 info@mysite.com Package #4 Family Package San Antonio Zoo | Tickets and Swag Alamo Heights Pool | Season Passes for up to 6 Immediate Family Members Farnsworth Orthodontics | Adolescent Orthodontic Treatment (Total Complexity) The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts | 6 Tickets to Ninja Kids, July 2025 Fiesta Texas | 4 Day Passes DoSeum | 1 Year Family Membership Valued at $7,500 123-456-7890 info@mysite.com Package #5 Andrea in Austin, Texas The Moody Center | Andrea Bocelli VIP Tickets - June 13, 2025 - Soundcheck Included! (Donated by Tobin Center for The Performing Arts) Shetler Fine Jewelers | Gift Card Ten Ten Restaurant |Gift Card Devil May Care | Gift Card J. McLaughlin | Handbag Valued at $4,000 123-456-7890 info@mysite.com Package #6 Afterparty Charlotte Dawson | Assorted Wines 2015 Moet ‘Grand Vintage’ Extra Brut Rosé Champagne NV Billecart-Salmon ‘Reserve’ Brut 2021 Alphonse Mellot ‘Le Paradis’ Sancerre 2023 Far Niente Chardonnay Napa Valley 2021 Frank Family ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay Carneros 2018 Grieve Family Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 2017 Kistler Vineyards ‘Dutton Ranch’ Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2022 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2022 PlumpJack Merlot Napa Valley 2022 Caymus ‘50th Anniversary’ Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2019 Conn Creek ‘Special Selection’ Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2017 Beringer ‘Steinhauer’ Carbernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain Valued at $2,000 123-456-7890 info@mysite.com Purchase your Tickets at the Event Other Day of Opportunities Join us in celebrating and supporting the important work that Autism Community Network is doing by participating in one of the other amazing "Day Of" Opportunities at Le Brunch des Chapeaux including an incredible Silent Art Auction sponsored by AnArte Gallery and Ana Montoya. See below for more information! Silent Auction Art Piece by Ana Hernandez-Burwell Ana Hernandez-Burwell holds a BFA in painting, with a minor in Art History from the University of Texas in San Antonio. She exhibits her work regionally and internationally. Ana has worked on numerous public art projects in San Antonio and Tamaulipas, Mexico. Fractured images of femininity, pop culture, and regional icons populate Ana Laura Hernández’s paintings. Born and raised on the South Texas border, Hernández-Burwell draws from her experience as a first-generation American and mother in contemporary culture. Hernandez lives and works in San Antonio, Texas. Ana will be painting an art piece on 28x48 canvas at the event that can be curated based on the winning bidder's preference. (Estimated value: $6,000+) You can see more of Ana's beautiful work here . Silent Auction Art Piece by Taylor Bohné Taylor Bohné is a mixed media, visual artist who was born and raised in San Antonio, and partially Southern Florida. He is inspired by Florida tropical landscapes, and modern Latin and Mexican American that is prevalent in the San Antonio Chicano and Modern art movement. His paintings focus on unique San Antonio architecture and iconic business storefronts to show appreciation and pride for his San Antonio roots. Follow Taylor on Instagram to see more of his incredible work. Taylor will be painting an art piece on 18x24 canvas at the event that can be curated based on the winning bidder's preference. (Estimated value: $2,500+) You can see more of Taylor's talent here . Present Pick Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry Purchase a present from Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry which is guaranteed to contain at least a $100 value! You may win one of the following: $2,000 Gift Card $500 Gift Card $100 Gift Card A Piece of Jewelry Each chance costs $100, and there is over $15,000 in prizes available. Take a look at some of their beautiful jewelry here . Plus! All proceeds benefit Autism Community Network and the amazing work they do for autistic children and the people who love them. Paddles up! Signature Raffle: A Julian Gold Experience This year, Le Brunch des Chapeaux is proud to introduce The Signature Raffle as part of our annual paddle raise in support of Camp AUsome! Guests who donate $1,000 or more will receive a signature Le Brunch des Chapeaux tote and one entry into The Signature Raffle. This exclusive prize package includes a gift card from Julian Gold, a gift card from Christine A. Moore Millinery, and select items from the Zimmermann Line. Your generous support provides neurodivergent children with access to a summer of connection, learning, and joy—while also giving you a chance to win something extraordinary.

Make Referral If you observe early signs of autism or developmental differences in your patients, we're here to help. Submit a referral using the button below to connect families with supportive, neurodiversity-affirming services. Click Here Why Refer to ACN Specialized Early Childhood Diagnostics ACN is dedicated to providing expert care for our families. Our physician, clinicians, and educators have 228 years of combined experience in supporting autistic and/or developmentally different children and families. They provide interdisciplinary and comprehensive play-based evaluations for children ages 0-5. Families who come to ACN receive same-day results and personalized recommendations that are tailored to the specific needs of the entire family. Neurodiversity-Affirming & Trauma-Informed Care ACN is guided by our Experts by Experience Board , a growing group of autistic adults who assure that our practices are in alignment with neurodiversity-affirming care and are responsive to the expressed needs of the community we serve. We work hard to build environments and relationships that feel safe and that honor different kinds of minds. At ACN, we believe that every child has gifts to give and deserves to be understood strengths-based lens. Family-Centered Care At ACN, we believe that parents are the experts in their children. Families are involved every step of the way. We tailor our diagnostic and therapeutic experiences to the specific needs and motivations of each child and family. Our innovative and evidence-based therapies are parent-mediated, which means they empower families! We invite families to join our “herd” through involvement in quality-of-life programs, including SibSHOPS, FAMJAMS, Caregiver Support Group, and Coffee and Connections. Families involved with ACN have a sense of COMMUNITY and a place to call HOME. Mission-Driven, Outcome-Focused As a nonprofit, at ACN our priority is clinical excellence and lasting impact- not profit. Our clinical, educational and quality of life programming is dedicated to creating long-term positive outcomes, or BIG Futures, for the children and families we serve. Our mission is to create a community that recognizes and celebrates the value of our neurodiverse community members and understands the role we can all play in creating an inclusive world. When to Make a Referral This downloadable guide helps providers recognize early signs of autism in young children, including social communication differences, repetitive behaviors, and sensory preferences. It’s also designed to be shared with families—offering clear, compassionate language to support understanding and early action. Use it as a reference tool and a conversation starter for timely referrals to ACN. Download Guide Resources for Families Help families access the full range of ACN’s supportive services—from diagnostic evaluations and quality of life programs to community events and caregiver trainings—by connecting them to our team today. Refer a Family

Events coming up. Featured Event ACN Fall Summit 2025 Toward Neuroharmony: A Different Way of Seeing and Supporting Autism Date: October 3, 2025 Time: 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM Location: The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts 100 Auditorium Circle San Antonio, TX 78205 Info: Email info@acn-sa.org for more information. Get Started All About ACN Summit Autism Community Network’s annual Summit returns for 2025 with the theme “Toward Neuroharmony: A Different Way of Seeing and Supporting Autism.” This full-day conference invites families, educators, clinicians, and community partners to explore strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming approaches to care and connection. This year’s keynote speaker is internationally renowned author and researcher Dr. Barry Prizant, PhD, CCC-SLP, presenting on topics from his groundbreaking book Uniquely Human and offering deep insight into echolalia and gestalt language development. Participants will also engage in specialized breakout sessions tailored for caregivers, educators, and clinicians, and hear directly from autistic voices during the Experts by Experience Panel. More upcoming events. June 16-20 July 7-11 July 21-25 Camp AUsome! WE:PLAY Join us for our first camp of the summer, WE:PLAY! This play-based camp focuses on building communication, regulation, and social skills. Camp AUsome! WE:ACT Our FIRST ever Camp WE:ACT for autistic middle and high-schol students interested in musical theater. Campers will learn and perform scenes and songs from Disney favorites! Camp AUsome! WE:GO Our only camp for neurotypical/allistic siblings. This week-long camp takes place in Copano Bay, TX along the Gulf Coast where campers spend there time learning to do all kinds of fun things! Let's Get Social

The center. 535 Bandera Rd, San Antonio, TX 78228 Harvey E. Najim Campus The Harvey E. Najim Campus, generously donated by Harvey E. Najim, is dedicated to the service of the autism community. Our new center opened its doors in July 2023 and allows us to provide state-of-the-art treatments and diagnostics for individuals in need. We are also able to scale our services to better meet the needs of the growing population we serve. We are proud to announce that we will begin offering adult services in the near future. Our goal is to ensure the autism community in South Texas has a place to call home with all the support they need. What the new campus means for you. New programs & services Less diagnostic wait time. You have spoken, and we have heard you. Our new campus houses +4 new employees and 2 more observation rooms to handle multiple screenings at once. Our goal is to significantly reduce the time spent on our waiting list. More inclusivity. Our new campus allows us to offer expanded, wrap-around services for the whole family. Additionally, we can now provide more long-term support for our children as they age. Better community integration. Our generous donors at Valero have made it possible to host community events and resource fairs in our fully equipped Valero Community Center. From Camp AUsome! to our sensory-friendly holiday events, we are sparking a flame in the ever-growing autism community. Cozier environments. When you step into our building, you'll notice something special. We've designed it to feel just like home - cozy, welcoming, and peaceful. You won't find harsh fluorescent lights or noisy, echoing hallways here. Instead, we've crafted sensory-friendly spaces, not just rooms. Smarter play. We are huge proponents of learning social skills through play and child-led interactions, so we have created our space to be targeted to the autistic person and their caregivers. From the customizable projections on the climbing wall to the state-of-the-art video rePLAY system, we put play first. Relevant learning spaces. There is a world of opportunity out there, and big futures await. We have added immersive environments dedicated to teaching autistic children and their caregivers daily life skills. We look forward to seeing you in our teaching kitchen or back for Camp We:CODE. Leave your mark. ACN is providing exciting naming opportunities for our new campus. Name a wing, room, or help us pave our entryway with a dedicated brick. You can donate to ACN and support us in our effort to develop an amazing new facility. Donate today and make your mark on ACN! Customize a brick Location location location. Where we are building. Our new campus is located in the inner-west side of San Antonio, Texas. We believe that being in this area provides a centralized location to serve all of San Antonio. We're proud to serve from here and look forward to creating new relationships in the community. Please come by for a visit! Book your next event in our Valero Community Center. ACN's new campus features the amazing Valero Community Center annex space, fully renovated and equipped with a catering kitchen, restrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows that open to the outdoors. For more information contact: info@acn-sa.org

< Back AUTISM DIAGNOSIS About Diagnostic Services Most of our diagnostics are handled in-house, but if for any reason you need more support, our autism diagnosis resources provide information on where to find qualified professionals who can diagnose autism. These resources can help families get started on the journey to understanding and supporting their loved ones with autism. DIAGNOSTICS Assessment Intervention Management (AIM, LLC) 210.838.5351 Web: https://aimllcconsulting.com/ or www.sparkassessmentcenter.com E-Mail: info@aimllcconsulting.com 7410 Blanco Rd Ste. 400, SA TX 78216 We provide a wide array of psychological assessments (ADHD, Dyslexia, Autism, Neuropsychological, Learning Disability, etc.) for families. However, we specialize in customizing the evaluation to fit the needs of the family. Since we all come from a school background, we write our evaluations to match what the schools want. Autism Community Network (Us!) 210.435.1000 Web: www.acn-sa.org 535 Bandera Rd, SA TX 78228 ACN provides diagnostic evaluations for children as well as parent and professional education and training. In addition, ACN provides resources to families through its website, social media outlets and outreach events. ACNs goal is to help children with autism maximize their potential by working to expand autism awareness, improve early diagnosis and better connect families to the care and support available in San Antonio. For information on workshops, trainings or resources please call. Many forms of insurance are accepted, including Medicaid. BAMC Interdisciplinary Autism Team 210.916.2395 Sheri Sharp, Pediatric Speech Pathologist EFMP, Dept. of Pediatrics, Brooke Army Medical Center Ft. Sam Houston, TX 78232 Sees only Dept. of Defense beneficiaries and accepts only TRICARE. This interdisciplinary team includes pediatric speech-language pathology, child and adolescent psychology and developmental-behavioral pediatrics. We see children from the greater San Antonio area and outlying military installations throughout the region. Dr. Carrie George, Ph.D 210.593.2136 E-Mail: carrie.george@claritycgc.org Clarity Child Guidance Center 2135 Babcock Rd., SA TX 78229 Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Specialist in School of Psychology (LSSP) specialize in the assessment/diagnosis of developmental disorder, particularly autism spectrum and mood disorders; provides therapy for higher functioning Asperger’s Disorder. Provide therapy for children with mood and disruptive behavior disorders between the ages of 3 and 17 years. Insurance accepted: Tricare, Medicaid, Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, CHIP, Community 1st, Life Sync and ComPsych, Texas True Choice, United Behavioral Health and Value Options Health Insurance plans. Business hours: 9am to 5:30pm, Monday through Friday and testing only occurs on Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Many forms of insurance are accepted, including Medicaid, Aetna and Tricare. Dr. Jeri Penkava 210.403.2343 Web: www.adhdplusinc.com 1046 Central Pkwy South, SA TX 78232 Services provided include evaluations; medication management; alternative therapies - nutritional; sound; and herbal therapy; Acupuncture; EEG bio-feedback; Children’s Yoga; and group therapy. Also employed are relaxation techniques, and hypnotherapy with patients. New patients must go on their website under “New Patient Forms and Links” and fill out each form and then either fax or email the completed forms as well as your insurance card and copy of your photo ID (email to: adhdplus.records@att.net ). Existing patients can follow the same link to schedule an appointment. Does not accept Community 1st, Amerigroup or Humana. Multiple insurances are accepted. In the case that yours isn’t, they provide competitive private pay pricing. Dr. Michelle K. Ervin 210.916.3400 Developmental Pediatrics SAMPC 3551 Roger Brooke Dr., Brooke Army Medical Center Ft. Sam Houston TX 78234 Sees only Dept. of Defense beneficiaries and accepts only TRICARE. Dr. Sean P. Meagher 210.292.5648 MDOS/MCCS 1100 Wilford Hall Loop, Lackland AFB, Texas 78236 Developmental Pediatrics, SAMHS Sees only Dept. of Defense beneficiaries and accepts only TRICARE. Dr. Stephen Greefkens 210.916.0765 Developmental Pediatrics SAMPC 3851 Roger Brooke Dr., Brooke Army Medical Center Ft. Sam Houston TX 78234 Sees only Dept. of Defense beneficiaries and accepts only TRICARE. Harkins and Associates 210.692.3439 Web: info@harkinsandassociatesinc.com 4118 Pond Hill Ste. 200 Shavano Park, TX 78231 Dr. Patricia Harkins, MD, Developmental Pediatrics. Do NOT accept Medicaid, Beech Street, CHIPS Programs, Fiserv Health, Health Smart, Unicare and Harrington Maddox Child Psychology, PLLC 210.762.4228 Dr. Katherine Maddox, Ph.D., LSSP Web: www.MaddoxChildPsychology.com Email: Dr.KMaddox@MaddoxChildPsychology.com 117 W. Craig Pl. San Antonio, TX 78212 Dr. Maddox specializes in providing psychological evaluations for children, adolescents, and young adults. When parents have concerns about their child's development, emotional/behavioral problems, social skills, or academic performance, a psychological evaluation can provide parents with valuable information such as diagnostic clarification, treatment needs, and recommendations on how to help their children achieve their goals. Dr. Katherine Maddox is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology. Her areas of specialization include providing diagnostic evaluations for children and adolescents with symptoms related to emotional, behavioral, developmental, and learning problems. Comprehensive Autism Program 210.704.4708 If your child needs a diagnosis of Autism or needs a diagnosis verified, we offer a multidisciplinary autism evaluation which is a four to eight-hour, full evaluation. This consists of evaluations by neurodevelopmental pediatrics, neuropsychology, audiology, social work, speech/language pathology, and occupational therapy. To schedule an evaluation, please ask your child’s primary physician to fax a referral to 210.704.4637 with attention to Autism Clinic: Needs Formal Diagnosis. Comprehensive Autism Program at The Children's Hospital of San Antonio 333 N. Santa Rosa Street Goldsbury Center for Children and Families, 4th Floor (4b) San Antonio, Texas 78207 Previous Next

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. 02 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. 01 03 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. 04 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. How to start: Download our diagnostic referral form. To schedule an appointment for an autism-specific developmental screener, download our ACN Referral Form for your pediatrician to complete. Download Cost of Diagnostic Services We accept many forms of medical insurance, including Medicaid. Contact Vanessa Amaya at: vanessa@acn-sa.org 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.

Training. The Autism Community Network is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism and their families through support, education, and advocacy. Our Caregiver Empowerment Program offers training for familial and professional caregivers, medical residents, student clinicians, education professionals, and the wider community to ensure that everyone who interacts with autistic individuals can provide them with the best possible care. 01 Coffee and Connections. Search Check out our quarterly and register! Coffee and Connection is our weekly virtual series that brings together experts in their respective fields to share insights and best practices on popular topics related to autism. From classes such as “Self-Compassion for Caregivers” and “Whisperings of the Sleep Fairy”, our series covers a broad range of important issues to help support autistic individuals and their families. Join us virtually every Friday from 9-10 am and connect with others in the autism community while gaining valuable knowledge and support. 02 Professional Conferences. Our organization is committed to providing a diverse and enriching array of professional conferences to support caregivers and professionals in the field of autism and neurodiversity. Our flagship event, the Annual Summit, is a must-attend gathering featuring expert speakers and a comprehensive program covering a wide spectrum of topics relevant to your work. Whether you prefer virtual or in-person attendance, this event ensures you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the autism community. For those seeking even more in-depth knowledge, Autism Community Network offers two summer intensive programs, “Neurodiversity University” and “Making ‘Sense’ of Autism.” Both programs delve deeply into the intricacies of autism and neurodiversity. The intensives equip attendees with invaluable insights and strategies to better support individuals on the spectrum. 03 Trainings on Request Search View class offerings At Autism Community Network, we understand the importance of community education and empowerment. We offer a range of training options that can be customized to meet the unique needs of your organization. Whether you require inclusive practices for your business or are seeking continuing education credits, our team can provide comprehensive group training sessions, ensuring that you and your colleagues are equipped with the necessary tools to create more inclusive environments. In addition to our diverse training offerings, we are excited to introduce "My Beautiful Brain," a specialized program designed for neurodiverse youth. This program empowers young individuals to embrace their unique qualities and understand what makes them exceptional. Through a series of engaging and interactive sessions, participants gain self-awareness and a sense of pride in their neurodiversity, fostering a positive self-image and enhancing their self-esteem. Our flexible training sessions can be tailored to your organization's specific needs and schedules, ranging from 30-minute workshops to full-day seminars. Furthermore, our Valero Community Center is available to provide an appropriate and welcoming space for your training and educational needs. We are dedicated to advancing education, awareness, and support in the field of autism and neurodiversity, and we invite you to join us in our mission. 04 Mentorships At Autism Community Network, we place a strong emphasis on mentorship as a cornerstone of professional growth and development in the field of autism and neurodiversity. Our commitment to fostering mentorship opportunities is exemplified through our participation in various programs and initiatives. One such initiative is our collaboration with UTHealth's Profectum DIR BASIC Certification Program, where we actively support and mentor doctoral-level occupational therapy students seeking to obtain certification in the Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-based (DIR) model. Our experienced mentors guide aspiring professionals through the certification process, providing invaluable insights and guidance to help them excel in their DIR practice and better serve neurodivergent individuals. In addition to the certification program, we offer mentorship opportunities through our intern and medical residents programs. These programs provide hands-on experience and mentorship for individuals at various stages of their careers, whether they are students, recent graduates, or medical residents specializing in autism-related fields. Through these initiatives, participants gain practical knowledge, refine their skills, and receive guidance from our seasoned professionals, ultimately contributing to the growth of a more knowledgeable and compassionate workforce dedicated to autism and neurodiversity. Our commitment to mentorship underscores our mission to empower individuals to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by autism and related developmental differences. We believe that by nurturing mentorship relationships and fostering a culture of continuous learning, we can create a more inclusive and supportive world for neurodivergent individuals and their families. How to start: Learn more about our training programs. Excited to start learning? Contact us below, and we'll be sure to find the program that fits your specific needs. Enroll Cost of Training Cancellation Policy Cancelling a training requires a 48 hour notice. Our staff are passionate about helping the community. A cancellation may offer another organization the ability to take your place, or open a spot for our staff to work one on one with a family in need. Late Arrivals The policy for late arrivals is program specific, and based on the preferences of your organization and our presenters. If you are going to be late, we ask that you alert the appropriate parties in advance. Cost of training is tailored to your specific needs. For more information, contact Katie Benson at: Katie@acn-sa.org .