Autism Support

We screen and identify concerns, but the formal autism diagnosis usually comes from a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, or specialty clinic. We refer early, support the family during the wait, and partner with the diagnostic team once the evaluation happens.

In Northern Virginia, waits can be 6 to 18 months at some specialty clinics. We refer to multiple places at once and connect you with Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia (for kids under 3) so support can start before the diagnosis is finalized.

Speech therapy, occupational therapy, and (for many families) ABA can all be helpful. For kids under 3, the Infant & Toddler Connection program provides early intervention services. We help you understand the options and connect with the right ones.

Vaccines are safe and recommended for autistic children — same schedule as other kids. We adapt the visit (sensory accommodations, predictable steps) to make medical care easier. We do not delay or change the vaccine schedule based on an autism diagnosis.

Yes. Many girls, kids of color, and quiet/anxious kids are diagnosed later — sometimes much later. If you’re wondering about a school-age child or teen, bring it up. We screen and refer at any age.

Co-occurring conditions are common — ADHD, anxiety, learning differences, sensory differences, sleep, GI issues. We evaluate the whole child and coordinate care across all of it, rather than treating each diagnosis in isolation.