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Lightening the Load: Promoting Relational and Sensory Safety in Schools Time PM Breakout Session - 2:15 PM Presenter/Facilitator Adrienne Gaither, OTR, C-SIPT, NDT, PACT Accredited Provider and Kathryn Benson, MPA Back to Course List < Back About the Course This session aims to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of sensory processing and its crucial role in integrated child development within a school and classroom setting. Using current research, the course will explain the science behind sensory processing and sensory overload. Participants will learn to address individual student needs while creating a neurodiversity-affirming classroom environment by focusing on a common sensory experience for all learners. Leaders will discuss how a proactive approach to meeting sensory needs and creating a relationally and sensory safe space promotes prosocial behaviors in students and enhances overall classroom management. Objectives Participants will explain sensory processing and its role in child development, including the effect of sensory dysregulation on peer relationships and the importance of sensory integration. Participants will identify and address individual and group sensory needs in the school setting, including sensory-seeking or avoiding behaviors, signs of a sensory-based "meltdown," the use of sensory supports to promote peer interactions and relational bandwidth. Participants will differentiate between co- and self- regulation in the school setting and implement strategies for calming an overloaded child. About your Instructors Adrienne Gaither, OTR, C-SIPT, NDT, PACT Accredited Provider Adrienne Gaither, OTR, has been a pediatric occupational therapist for over 25 years. She received her degree from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and began her pediatric therapy career, eventually gaining experience in every setting available for the provision of children’s occupational therapy services. Adrienne has had the opportunity to serve as a member of ACN’s team since 2009. She holds specialty pediatric certification in the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) and has completed advanced training in Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) for children as well as in the Sequential Oral Sensory (S.O.S.) feeding approach. Locally, Adrienne had the privilege of serving on the planning team for the development of Morgan’s Wonderland; in particular, contributing recommendations for the Sensory Village portion of the park. In addition to her work with ACN, Adrienne is a part-time Program Director and Sensory Consultant with Kinetic Kids, Inc., a local non-profit agency providing sports and recreation activities for children and teenagers with special needs. When she is not working, Adrienne enjoys life with her husband, 2 children, and 2 dogs, running, singing, and traveling. Speaker Disclosure: Ms. Gaither receives a salary from Autism Community Network. Kathryn Benson, MPA Kathryn “Katie'' Benson has a Bachelor's degree from Florida State University and a Masters in Public Administration with a concentration in NonProfit Management from the University of Texas Arlington. She spent 14 years total in the public education setting as a special educator and district leader. While with the public school system, Katie specialized in working with neurodivergent students, and opened two new autism units, including one focused on addressing neurodiverse needs in a general education setting. In the past, she has worked with other nonprofits in San Antonio to create and improve programming for neurodiverse populations and children and adolescents with other developmental differences. Katie joined the programs team at Autism Community Network (ACN) in the summer of 2023. Since that time, her role has grown to include hands-on involvement in ACN educational and camp programs, as well as planning and executing ACN’s quarterly family events. She enjoys working with the incredible staff at ACN to create a relational and sensory safe “home away from home” for the autism community in San Antonio. Speaker Disclosure: Ms. Benson receives a salary from Autism Community Network.

< Back Wishlist Empowering families, one gift at a time. Explore our wish list! The spirit of giving is alive, and you have the power to brighten someone's day in the most meaningful way. We invite you to join us in making a difference by selecting a gift from our carefully curated Amazon Wish List. Every item on this list holds the potential to bring joy and comfort to the lives of those we serve at Autism Community Network. From educational tools that spark curiosity to sensory items that soothe, your thoughtful gesture can create a positive impact that lasts far beyond the moment. How to contribute: Visit our Amazon Wish List Choose an item that resonates with you. Complete your purchase, and it will be sent directly to us. Experience the joy of knowing you've made a positive difference! Your gift, no matter how small, has the potential to make a big impact. Let's get started

PACT Parent Panel: The Secret Ingredient was ME! Time PM Breakout Session - 2:15 PM Presenter/Facilitator Anna Paola Smith, LCSW, PACT Accredited Provider Back to Course List < Back About the Course Primary caregivers of young autistic children are increasingly searching for effective means of promoting their child’s mental health and socio-communicative abilities while simultaneously honoring their child’s neurodiversity. Research in PACT has told us that neurodivergent children who are met with parents who can attune, who can validate, and who can meet the child where they are, become increasingly confident and communicative as they grow. Parents report PACT support as a “game-changer” for themselves and for their children, and, most importantly, for their relationships with each other. The goal of this panel is for parent’s to share their experience with this new form of autism support, one that addresses the health and empowerment of the entire family system. Objectives Participants will list how PACT strategies support the social intentionality and socio communicative abilities in children, how the approach capitalizes on the modality of reflective video feedback, and how PACT intervention differs from traditional models of autism intervention. Anna Paola Smith, LCSW, PACT Accredited Provider Anna Paola Smith attended The University of Texas at Austin where she received her BA in Psychology and her Masters degree in Social Work. She has had the opportunity to work with children and families in the school, hospital, and clinical settings. Anna Paola's interests lie in family systems and how the development of one child may impact the entire family unit. She started a sibling support group at Autism Community Network to provide siblings a safe space to share their own experiences. Anna Paola also provides routine follow-ups for caregivers after their child receives an autism diagnosis and is a bilingual Pediatric Autism Communication Therapy Accredited Practitioner, supporting families impacted by autism through dyadic coaching. Anna Paola is part of an interdisciplinary diagnostic team that uses a strength-based approach to address the unique presentation of the child and family. Panelists Tracy Saunders Samuel Flores Renee Tomlin (Additional panelists pending.) Speaker Disclosures: Anna Paola Smith receives a salary from Autism Community Network. Tracy Saunders has no relevant relationships to disclose. Samuel Flores has no relevant relationships to disclose. Renee Tomlin has no relevant relationships to disclose.

Tracee Feik, Ashley Feik-Campbell, Amy Feik Garcia, and Heather Feik de Rojas cordially invite you to the event of the season, Le Brunch des Chapeaux 2025. The incredible co-chairs are dedicated to planning an elegant event that will surely impress. The 22nd annual luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, April 16th, 2025 at 11 o'clock in the morning on the lawn of The Argyle. All proceeds will benefit Autism Community Network in supporting autistic children and those who love them. JOIN US Autism Community Network (ACN) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with a mission to maximize the potential of children with autism by providing early diagnosis for those with limited access and educating and empowering the community to support them. ACN envisions a world where autistic individuals are celebrated for their unique contributions. They are dedicated to creating a strengths-focused community that embraces neurodiversity and supports big futures for autistic children and their caregivers. Purchase a Table Get Started Become an Underwriter Get Started Donate a Raffle Item Get Started Give to ACN Get Started

< Back Patricia "Patty" Vela, MA Chief Development & Outreach Officer Patricia "Patty" Vela holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Southwestern University and a Masters degree in School Psychology from Trinity University. After 14 years of practicing as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology for NISD, Ms. Vela entered her second career, non-profit development and fundraising. Prior to ACN, Ms. Vela worked for a large non-profit in San Antonio. However, she always missed working alongside children with disabilities and their caregivers which made her excited when this opportunity became available. She joined the ACN team in March, 2017. Ms. Vela is a daughter, mother, friend, bibliophile, frustrated artist, lover of music, and enjoys Gilmore Girls and HGTV a little too much! She has also developed a passion for retaionally-based or conscious parenting as she has spent more time at ACN and can often be found down internet rabbit holes of leaders in this field. Patty is a proud aunt to 2 neurodivergent children. pattyv@acn-sa.org (210) 435-1000 ext. 5002

< Back ADVOCACY About Advocacy Services Advocacy plays a crucial role in advancing the rights and needs of individuals with autism and their families. Our resource library offers information on community-based and social advocacy, including grassroots organizing, public policy initiatives, and community outreach. We also provide resources on educational advocacy, including strategies for navigating the special education system, securing appropriate educational services, and collaborating effectively with school districts. COMMUNITY BASED & SOCIAL ADVOCACY Disability Rights Texas Statewide Intake 512.454.4816 Web: www.disabilityrightstexas.org 222 W. Braker Ln., Austin, TX 78758 South Texas Regional Office 210.737.0499 6800 Park Ten Blvd., Ste. 208-N, San Antonio TX 78213 Intake hours are from 8AM -5 PM. Telephone number 1.800.252.9108 (Intake Specialist). Advocates for people with disabilities to secure their human, legal, and service rights, and assists them in advocating for themselves for these same rights. Strives to establish and expand rights and services for people with disabilities, to inform all individuals of the rights of people with disabilities, and to inform and refer individuals to programs and services. Texas Council on Developmental Disabilities 512.437.5432 Web: http://www.tcdd.texas.gov/about/governance/ E-Mail: tcdd@tcdd.texas.gov 6201 E. Oltorf, Suite 600, Austin, TX 78741-7509 T he DD Act provides for a Council to be appointed by the Governor of each state to serve as the governing board for the state’s developmental disabilities council. EDUCATIONAL ADVOCACY 101Advocacy 210.722.9974 Web: www.101advocacy.com Sylvia Farber: sfarber@101advocacy.com 101 Advocacy helps families navigate through the special education or 504 processes by educating families on special education/504 laws and their rights, collaborating with parents to get effective educational programs and services from school districts, reviewing the IEP to ensure it is written to meet individual student needs, and assisting at ARD/504 meetings. 101 Advocacy offers bi-lingual advocacy. Brighton Center - Special Education Support Services 210.826.4492 Web: www.brightonsa.org 14207 Higgins,SA TX 78217 265 E. Lullwood, SA TX 78212 SESS is a one-time 3-hour class that includes a meal, childcare, and a SESS Graduation Certificate with 3hr Credits. These are small group clinics designed to address concerns and questions about your child’s ARD/IEP. Please bring a copy of your child’s most current ARD/IEP document. Sessions held at various times and locations throughout San Antonio. Please call for more information. Eagles Flight Advocacy and Outreach 210.960.6635 Web: https://www.eaglesflightsa.com/ 26520 Fire Dance, Boerne, TX 78006 E-Mail: info@eaglesflightsa.com Advocacy provided for Special Education needs. Contact Pam Allen. Girasol Margain 210.826.4492 Web: www.BrightonSA.org Brighton Center, 265 E. Lullwood, SA, TX 78212 E-Mail: gmargain@brightonsa.org Special Education Advocate and Trainer Jennifer Fitzhugh 210.415.6098 E-Mail: jenniferlayne@sbcglobal.net Advocacy/Consulting-Advocacy for families who need ARD support; also, provide trainings for parents and professionals. Juan Hernandez 210.826.4492 Web: www.BrightonSA.org 265 E. Lullwood, SA TX 78212 E-Mail: jhernandez@brightonsa.org Special Education Advocate and Trainer Karla Calla 210.826.4492 Web: www.BrightonSA.org 265 E. Lullwood, SA TX 78212 E-Mail: kcalla@brightonsa.org Special Education Advocate and Trainer Lorene Dill 210.367.5710 Web: www.dillardadvocacy.com E-Mail: Lorene@DillardAdvocacy.com 6058 Crab Orchard, SA TX 78240 Provides consulting and training as well as advocacy services in all areas of special education. Able to attend ARD meetings with parents to help advocate for your Child’s rights; provides parents with information and training to increase their advocacy skills to make informed decisions regarding their child’s education. Partners Resource Network – Team Project – Region 20 409.898.4684 Web: www.partnerstx.org . 1090 Longfellow Dr, Beaumont, TX 77706 SA Independent Living Services (SAILS) 210.281.1878 Web: www.sailstx.org 1028 S. Alamo, SA TX 78210 SAILS provide information and assistance to people of all ages with disabilities and their families to access support systems and promote changes that result in full access to the community. SAILS can also provide information and education on the Americans with Disabilities Act and information on disability rights. Services are available to residents in 28 counties. You may call them for assistance Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and you do not have to have an actual doctor diagnoses to be assisted. The Legal Framework 432.561.4332 Web: framework.esc18.net/ Region 18 providing Statewide Leadership for the Legal Framework for the Child- Centered Process in Texas; In collaboration with the Division of IDEA Coordination at the Texas Education Agency; The resource page provides access to documents which are used in the Special Education Process. Special Education Support Services (SESS) 210.826.4492 Web: www.brightonsa.org 14207 Higgins, SA, TX78217 SESS is a one-time 3-hour class that includes a meal, childcare, and a SESS Graduation Certificate with 3hr Credits. These are small group clinics designed to address concerns and questions about your child’s ARD/IEP. Please bring a copy of your child’s most current ARD/IEP document. Sessions held at various times and locations throughout San Antonio. Please call for more information. Previous Next

Events coming up. Featured Event All Tee'd Up for Autism Golf Classic Date: November 8, 2024 Time: 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM Location: Canyon Springs Golf Club 24405 Wilderness Oak San Antonio, Texas, 78258 Info: Email info@acn-sa.org for more information. Get Started About All Tee'd Up! ACN is thrilled to be hosting the 10th annual All Tee'd Up for Autism Golf Classic on Friday, November 8, 2024 at Canyon Springs Golf Club. This event is an incredible opportunity to make a positive impact in our community by raising funds and awareness for children and caregivers impacted by autism spectrum disorder. By participating as an individual player, a team of four, or even becoming a sponsor, you can be a part of something truly meaningful. Plus, All Tee'd Up is ACN's most fun event of the year! Come and shoot your shot with an air powered ball launcher, or have a loaned golf pro get your ball immediately on the green. With a raffle and prizes, breakfast and lunch, and free drinks on the links, you and your team are guaranteed a good time for a good cause. So join us on November 8. You won't regret it! More upcoming events. November 13 December 7 February 12, 2025 Friendsgiving Our favorite Fam Jam of the year! Join us as we share a meal together and give thanks for all of the wonderful things we've enjoyed throughout the year as a community. Volunteer Celebration Day Join us for our second annual volunteer day! Help us wrap gifts for families in need, decorate for the holidays, and walk away with a special gift as a token of our appreciation for all the hard work you've done for ACN as a volunteer this year. This event is invite only. If you're interested in attending, please reach out to katie@acn-sa.org . Daddy Daughter Dance Celebrate the season of love with your favorite little girl, and join ACN for our first Daddy Daughter Dance! More info to come! Let's Get Social

Therapeutic Offerings Your neurodiverse child is beautiful, and YOU are the EXPERT in your child! Therapies offered at ACN empower families by helping to nurture understanding and connection, building upon the existing strengths you ALL bring to the table. From our first meeting with your family, our focus is on identifying and amplifying strengths and supporting you and your child in building the strongest connection and communication possible. We help you understand your child’s unique profile, and we serve as your partners in navigating a new diagnosis and a new way of relating to each other and the world around you. Sensory Int 02 DIRFloortime® DIRFloortime® is a play and relationship-building therapy for autistic and neurodivergent children. It is a comprehensive foundational model that utilizes affect-based interactions and experiences tailored to individual needs to promote global child development. The DIR® model, developed by Drs. Stanley Greenspan and Serena Wieder, identifies relationships as the pivotal force that nurtures and optimizes development. Further, it was the first to propose a relationship-based model of comprehensive intervention for autism spectrum and sensory processing disorders focusing on relating and communicating. The latest research shows many benefits to DIRFloortime® therapy. At ACN, DIRFloortime® therapy is offered by an expert-level certified clinician working in tandem with parents and other primary caregivers. The DIRFloortime® program consists of 12-18 weeks of weekly or biweekly interventions, one hour in length, that can be completed in-person or via telehealth. Goals for the child and caregiver will be collaboratively established following an in-depth assessment. Families can expect to learn the following: •How to take an active role in helping their children relate and communicate with others •How to support the development of sensory integration and social-emotional connectedness within the brain •To identify the unique challenges and strengths of their children as it relates to their abilities to process sensory information, stay regulated and attentive more of the time and to learn from the social world around them •How to fortify their relationships with their children and facilitate their childrens’ intention and engagement to build the foundation for maximal social, emotional, sensory, motor, language and cognitive development. Contact carrie@acn-sa.org for more information. 01 Pediatric Autism Communication Therapy (PACT) Search View Research Pediatric Autism Communication Therapy (PACT) is a well-validated intervention supporting connection, celebrating difference, and enhancing communication. It has demonstrated effectiveness and long-term evidence of significantly enhanced child social communication outcomes and can radically improve quality of life for autistic children in relationship with their parents. In a 12 to 18-session staged intervention, the therapist uses specific video feedback techniques to help parents recognize, respond to, and enhance their child’s social communication. PACT is delivered via telehealth in the child’s natural home environment, which is one of the most effective ways of ensuring enduring development and generalization in social communication skills. Within each 60–90-minute session, the therapist reviews short video clips of the adult and child interacting or playing together. This video is jointly reviewed with the adult, using selected moments to identify and discuss the best individual communication strategies for the child. Between sessions, parents are asked to practice their PACT strategies with the child for around 30 minutes a day. Other interventions can be continued in parallel. PACT is the only intervention showing robust evidence of sustained enhanced child social communication skills, communication initiation, language, and engagement six years after early intervention, evidence which informs a new Autism Care Pathway. PACT is proven to improve child communication from first identification through a care pathway, to post-diagnostic intervention and school support, and is suitable for autistic children up to 11 years of age. The efficiency of PACT is in working with familiar adults in the child’s daily life to support the alternative ways autistic children learn, building stronger social communication skills, and simultaneously helping parents feel empowered with increased self-efficacy, well-being, and family resilience. PACT draws on individual positive attributes, strengthening relationships in building the basis for better understanding and accommodating of individual differences. Autism Community Network houses the largest concentration of PACT Certified trainers in the United States, and we are delighted to bring such an innovative, effective, and neurodiversity-affirming intervention to our families. PACT is made possible by generous funding from Betty Stieren Kelso, Autism Speaks, Texas Pediatric Society, and St. Luke's Lutheran Healthcare Ministries. Contact carrie@acn-sa.org for more information. 03 Making "Sense" of Autism Program Sensory Processing is something that all humans do as a normal function of our brains and nervous systems. It is the way we take in sights, sounds, tastes, smells, touch, body position, and the status of our internal bodily organs through our senses. Typical sensory processing happens without our even noticing, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. It supports a calm, organized, regulated state of being for the individual. Sometimes, it warns us of stimuli that are potentially harmful and other times, it alerts us when we are feeling particularly sluggish or too tired to function. It is a normal function of a typically developing brain and nervous system. Sensory Processing also underlies many aspects of development in all areas: communication, motor skills, cognition, and social-emotional skills. Confidence, coordination, empathy, mindfulness, and our very physical health are all tied to a finely tuned, well-functioning sensory processing system. In the 1960’s an Occupational Therapist and researcher, A. Jean Ayres, PhD., developed a theory outlining what she termed Sensory Integration Dysfunction (now known as Sensory Processing Disorder). This is when sensory signals from one’s own body and/or from the environment are not processed in an orderly manner. Dr. Ayres likened this phenomenon to a “traffic jam” in the brain and nervous system. The signals still get through, but they cause a person’s brain to react too much, not enough, or in such a way that the person seeks extra stimulation in order to register the presence of sensory input. This is evident in a person’s behavior. For example, a person who reacts too much to sensory input may cover their ears with typical environmental sounds, react like the simplest light touch is painful, or gag on certain textures of food. Another person who does not react enough to sensory stimuli may ignore a sound the first few times it is made, be able to tolerate copious amounts of pain before they perceive that something is hurting them, or be able to spin in place much more than the average person without becoming dizzy. Lastly, a sensory seeker may be in constant motion, crashing their bodies against surfaces and other people, putting lots of inedible things in their mouths, smelling non-food items, staring into bright lights, enjoying making loud noises with their own voices without any intent to communicate. Research has shown that approximately 1 in 4 Kindergarten students may have Sensory Processing Disorder, and about 95% of autistic individuals have difficulty properly registering and using sensory input and many autistic adults report that sensory processing differences are an ongoing significant stressor in their lives. This is why Autism Community Network has developed the Making “Sense” of Autism Program. Our program is different from traditional pediatric occupational therapy in that it typically runs for 12-18 weeks before the individual is discharged to another program that offers traditional occupational therapy focusing on play, fine motor, and self-care goals. Good sensory therapy and a parent who better understands their child’s nervous system (as well as their own !) can lead to a better modulated, self-regulated person who is then able to focus and attend to more traditional methods of teaching skills. In addition, the Making “Sense” of Autism Program focuses on using a child-led, parent-mediated approach, coaching caregivers in the basics of sensory processing and their child’s individual sensory differences. Strategies to improve the child’s brain and nervous system responses to sensory stimuli are taught directly to the caregiver during these sessions. Practice at home during naturally occurring daily routine activities is strongly encouraged. Sessions can be conducted in person or via teletherapy using reflective video feedback of the child and caregiver engaging in sensory-rich activities. Contact adrienne@acn-sa.org for more information. How to start: Contact our Clinical Team. If you are interested in any of our therapy programs, please take the time to contact us through the link below. Start Here Cost of Therapies Cancellation Policy If a therapy appointment is not cancelled at least 24 hours in advance you may be charged a fifty dollar ($50) fee; this will not be covered by your insurance company. Late Arrivals We understand that delays can happen however we must try to keep the other patients and doctors on time. If a patient is 15 minutes past their scheduled time we will have to reschedule the appointment. We accept many forms of medical insurance, including Medicaid. Contact Vanessa Amaya at: vanessa@acn-sa.org

Frequently asked questions. How is ACN connected to the neurodiversity movement? ACN identifies as an ally of the neurodiversity movement, promoting empowerment, connection, and communication within the autism community. Our staff engages in regular training regarding implementation of neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based practices, and many of us have lived experience of having a loved one on the spectrum. Who leads ACN and provides its services? ACN is led by professionals and a dedicated board, many of whom are parents or family members of neurodivergent individuals, ensuring first-hand understanding of caregivers' challenges. How can I get involved with ACN? You can get involved with ACN by attending events, participating in programs, volunteering, or making a donation to support our mission. How can families benefit from ACN's services? At ACN, we empower the family & caregivers to be the best providers they can be. We help guide you and help you show up for your autistic loved one. Families can also benefit from ACN's services by gaining access to early diagnosis, therapies, resources, support groups, and empowerment programs. Is ACN's assistance available in Spanish? (hablamos español?) Yes, ACN provides assessments, therapies, and resources in both Spanish and English to meet the diverse needs of families. Sí, ACN brinda evaluaciones, terapias y recursos tanto en español como en inglés para satisfacer las diversas necesidades de las familias. How can I support ACN's mission? Tell your friends about us and the work we are doing. You can also support ACN's mission by making donations to help us continue providing high-quality services and resources to the autism community. How can I become a volunteer for ACN? Just reach out! Send us an e-mail to info@acn-sa.org. We've got great things coming up and can always use your help! Does ACN collaborate with other organizations? Yes, quite a few actually! ACN prioritizes forming partnerships and alliances with like-minded organizations to create a broader network of support for the autistic community. Reach out if you think we might be a good match for you. How does ACN contribute to the San Antonio community? ACN strives to make the San Antonio community more accessible and supportive for individuals with autism and their caregivers. Our new inner west side campus is here to serve, and we welcome everyone to take part in raising the bar for autism care and inclusivity in South Texas. How does ACN promote autism awareness and acceptance? ACN's programs, services, and events all work towards raising awareness and promoting acceptance of autism within the community. We encourage aunts, uncles, grandparents, teachers, and first responders, everyone to join our herd and create a circle of protection around the autistic individuals that make our world so special. How can I stay informed about ACN's events and programs? You can stay informed about ACN's events and programs by attending Coffee and Connections sessions, signing up for the blog, subscribing to our emails, following us on social media, or checking out our events page. What is the difference between Pre-K and ECSE? ECSE stands for Early Childhood Special Education. It is a program for children 3-6 years old that have received an educational evaluation and qualify for special education services to help transition into the school setting. Pre-K is typically provided to children 3-4 years old. Program admission is based on a variety of factors. If you are interested in your child attending either of these programs, you should speak to your local school district. Does my child have to be toilet-trained to go to school? No. When a child with developmental differences qualifies through educational testing for a classroom called Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), they do not need to be toilet-trained to attend. In fact, goals related to your child’s education will be made specifically for them based on this educational testing, and often, toilet-training is one of those goals. This means that the school staff will partner with you to help get your child toilet trained as part of their individual education plan (IEP). Please note that the ECSE classroom is different than a Pre-K 3 or Pre-K 4 classroom because it falls under the special education umbrella, and children must qualify for the program through individualized educational evaluation. My child has a school diagnosis, do they need a medical diagnosis as well? Your child will benefit from having both a school diagnosis, which is called educational eligibility, and a confirmed medical diagnosis of autism. Educational eligibility will assure that your child is given the correct variety and intensity of educationally-focused therapies and supports, while a medical diagnosis helps your child gain further access to clinical supports that might be recommended. It is important to note that children do not have to wait for a medical diagnosis of autism to gain access to therapy, as even a determination of developmental or speech-language delay might open the doors for your child to begin intervention as early as possible. How do I know if my child has been medically diagnosed? At Autism Community Network, you will receive direct feedback from the doctor and other members of the diagnostic team at the end of your visit. During this conversation, your child’s unique profile will be discussed at length, along with recommendations for support, and you will have ample opportunity to ask any questions you may have. When you receive the full report, this diagnosis will be stated in the document, and you will have the opportunity to schedule a follow-up session with our LCSW to review results and any further questions you may have. How are ACN's evaluations conducted? ACN offers strengths-based autism screenings and diagnostic evaluations tailored to each family's needs, available in both telehealth and in-person formats. Does ACN provide speech therapy services? ACN offers specialized, evidence-based social-communication therapies. What educational programs does ACN offer? ACN offers training, educational programs, and learning opportunities, such as Coffee and Connections sessions, corporate trainings, and professional conferences. What is the goal of ACN's autism screenings? ACN's autism screenings aim to identify developmental differences and provide immediate feedback and recommendations for families. How does ACN's diagnostic evaluation process work? ACN offers various diagnostic tracks and collaborates with a team of specialists to provide comprehensive evaluations tailored to each child. Usually, it starts with a screening request that is sent over from your child's doctor. My child got a diagnosis of autism from a different agency, but I didn't like the testing; can you re-test him/her? Unfortunately, at this time, we do not offer re-evaluations once a child receives an autism diagnosis. Do you provide ABA therapy? Autism Community Network provides rigorously tested, developmental-relational, parent-mediated therapies, proven to support enhancements in child social-communicative functioning that generalizes to varied environments and interactive partners and sustains over time. ACN does not offer ABA therapy and respects each family and individual’s right to explore alternative, science-backed interventions that align with their preferences and values. Does ACN provide OT/ST/PT? Autism Community Network does not provide traditional OT or ST services; however, our specialized services are completed by occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists trained to fidelity in their various autism-specific approaches that can therefore be billed as OT and ST. We do not provide PT at this time. My child is diagnosed. Do you offer parent training classes? Yes! We offer group classes and individual therapies to support parent education. Please see our offerings in the Services section of this website. My child is diagnosed. Do you offer respite care? While Autism Community Network does not provide respite care, we are officing with an organization that does! Please see this website about Special Reach for details. https://www.specialreach.com/ My child is diagnosed with a different provider. Can we receive services within your clinic? Absolutely! As a matter of fact, we often hear from families diagnosed elsewhere that they wish they would have known about all our offerings sooner. We would love for your family to be a part of our herd! What is Autism? Autism is a difference in development which may impact communication, the sensory system, relationships, and social interactions. Autism is lifelong and it is of critical importance to address as early as possible due to the malleability of the brain during infancy and early childhood. What are some common signs of autism? Common signs of autism may include challenges in social interaction, communication difficulties, repetitive behaviors, and sensitivity to sensory stimuli. Is there a cure for autism? There is no known cure for autism, but early intervention and various therapies can help individuals with autism develop skills and improve their overall quality of life. Can individuals with autism live independent lives? Many individuals with autism can lead independent lives with appropriate support, therapy, and interventions tailored to their needs. Are boys diagnosed more than girls? This is a compelling question. While data suggests more boys are diagnosed than girls, girls often present quite differently which requires a very seasoned eye to identify markers typically present in the female phenotype. If you are concerned about your daughter, please reach out to info@acn-sa.com Is autism a lifelong condition? Yes, autism is typically a lifelong condition, but early intervention and appropriate support can greatly improve an individual's quality of life. How common is autism? Autism affects approximately 1 in 44 children in the United States, making it a relatively common developmental disorder. Are there different levels of autism severity? Yes, autism severity differs based on the level of support the individual requires. The technical name for autism is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) because its signs and symptoms vary greatly along a spectrum. My child is sensitive to noises. Does that mean they have autism? No, although most autistic people people experience sensory processing differences, there are also many people with sensory processing differences who are not autistic. My child is showing characteristics of autism. Where do I begin? Come see us. We can schedule your family for a screener where we can help discern your child’s profile and recommend further testing should the clinician deem it necessary. If you have found this website, you are already on your way! We can provide you with many other helpful resources once we get connected. Still can't find what you're looking for? Write us a short message and well get back to you right away! First Name Last Name Email Write a message Thanks for submitting! Submit

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.