The Autism Diagnostic Clinic uses a telehealth model to serve residents of Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton and Pike counties. Families do not have to travel for services and the child is evaluated in their home. A psychologist and/or developmental nurse practitioner administers the evaluation via teleconference while guiding the parent through activities with the child. Bilingual clinicians are available. Families receive a same-day diagnosis, educational resources, and information about next steps and community resources.
Services are provided at no cost to families thanks to funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The clinic is conducted in collaboration with specialists at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children.
To participate, children must be 18 months to three years old and receiving Early Intervention services. Children are referred to the clinic through Service Access & Management (SAM) or their county Birth to Three program. Call the CONNECT helpline at 1-800-692-7288 to be connected to your county Early Intervention program.
The Autism Diagnostic Clinic model was developed by Easterseals Eastern Pennsylvania in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of Family Health in order to create a method to screen for autism at a younger age, remove barriers to accessing a timely evaluation, and provide support for parents of newly diagnosed children.
Why is the Autism Diagnostic Clinic important?
First, it screens for autism at younger ages. Prior to the establishment of the ADC, children exhibiting signs of autism were waiting until ages 5-7 for an evaluation and diagnosis, which delayed the family's ability to obtain educational resources and access to community-based services for their child.
Second, it evaluates children in their home. With the utilization of telehealth technology, children can be assessed and evaluated in their natural environment rather than a clinical setting.
Third, it offers access to Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). Parents of children diagnosed with autism are provided with ABA Coaching, which teaches parents how to address the daily behaviors of their child, educational resources and community-based agency support services to support children and families.
Fourth, Easterseals has other resources available in-house to support families:
- Early Intervention services, outpatient therapy, medical clinics, and other programs.
- Coordinating care with various providers.
- Connections to peer and community supports.
