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AWARENESS

AUTISM CARE HERE ASD IN GA
To serve central and south Georgia families,
Navicent Health established the Autism Center In early 2015, the Georgia Senate passed a bill to make insurance
in November 2015. The facility offers support to companies cover therapies that treat children younger than 6 who
patients and families facing difficulties related are living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Approved services
to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Specialized may include diagnostics and regular primary care appointments.
care guides and helps children as they develop. “Expensive therapy is often needed to help families living with ASD,”
says Elizabeth Young, MD, behavioral and developmental pediatrician
“We are committed to serving at least with Navicent Health. “The costs can be devastating for a parent
100 families from day one,” says Tripp Ritchie, whose child can’t talk. This legislation will help many families.”
Director of Autism Center, Navicent Health. “If a
child is diagnosed at the Center, we establish a “One in 68 American children is
game plan for treatment that day.”
autistic. That’s why we’re here:
Professionals at the Autism Center offer direct to provide resources for children
services for childhood development for kids with
ASD. The team that provides these services may and families.
include physicians, family therapists, occupational
therapists and psychologists. Dottie Houser, Community Liaison with Navicent Health

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT
AUTISM CENTER, NAVICENT HEALTH,
CALL 844-482-2264 OR VISIT
WWW.NAVICENTHEALTH.ORG/
SERVICE-CENTER/AUTISM-CENTER.

eating, speaking or even getting dressed. Each child and family’s ”
experience will be different according to the level of the condition.
HOW CAN I HELP YOU?
There is no known cause of ASD. That makes it impossible
to determine if your child has the condition until certain Identifying ASD early is critical. Fortunately, you can find help
behaviors are exhibited. Most commonly, ASD may impact managing the condition throughout life. Children with ASD often
language, social and speech skills. Signs may include: respond to therapy known as applied behavior analysis, or the
»» Attachment to routine scientific study of a child’s behavior.
»» Dislike of being touched
»» Monotone speech “There is a small window of time when you can make the greatest
»» Repetitive behaviors impact,” says Dottie Houser, Community Liaison with Navicent
»» Unusual lack of interest in others Health. “Diagnosing children at an early age can make a significant
positive impact.”
“You’re looking for a certain amount of aloofness,” Dr.
Young explains. “Children with ASD may use others as if To make a diagnosis, primary care providers may refer to the
they’re a tool or an instrument. If they want a piece of pie, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). This may include
they may drag you to it.” testing to evaluate how the child behaves and interacts with others.

Other key signs may include delays in developing speech, Upon diagnosis, a child may participate in occupational therapy,
difficulty starting or maintaining conversations, and unusual speech therapy and activities to improve communication, decision-
interest in the mechanics of objects, such as the spinning wheels making and social skills.
of a toy car.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ASD AND RESOURCES
AVAILABLE THROUGH NAVICENT HEALTH, VISIT
WWW.NAVICENTHEALTH.ORG/SERVICE-CENTER/
AUTISM-CENTER.

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