Resources
VFAAB wants to help equip you with the information you need to understand and navigate your child or patient’s diagnosis. This page provides resources and links on further education, treatment, therapies, and more!
If you are a parent who is concerned about your child’s development, begin here.
If your child just received an autism diagnosis, begin here.
If you are a provider, begin here.
“I am concerned about my child’s development. What should I do?”
Talk to your child’s doctor and express your concerns. Obtain a referral for an Autism Evaluation.
Review “First Concerns to Action Roadmap”
Check to see if you child is meeting milestones for their age
Learn more about Autism
Take the MCHAT-R questionnaire online
Explore the Myths and Facts about Autism
“My child was recently diagnosed with Autism. What do I do next?”
Talk to your primary care doctor about the diagnosis
Review “Newly Diagnosed” tool kits to help you get started
Find an ABA therapist near you!
ABA is a Behavioral Intervention Program that helps improve multifaceted cognitive effectiveness for children with intellectual disabilities and autism. ABA therapy helps improve early behaviors to affect overall lifestyle and social interactions.
If you are on the waitlist for ABA therapy, start speech, occupational, or physical therapy as recommended by your evaluator
View the Support Roadmap while you wait
Watch video presentations on learning behavioral management skills
If your child is under 3 years old, obtain an Early Intervention (Birth to Three) Evaluation.
If your child is over 3 years old, contact your school district for an Individual Education Plan (IEP)
Medical Services
HopeCentral Pediatrics and Behavioral Health
HopeCentral Pediatrics and Behavioral Health is a community-based, non-profit clinic in SE Seattle, serving children from birth to 18 years old with pediatric primary care, integrated behavioral health, and autism diagnostic services. As an Autism Center of Excellence, they provide autism diagnostic services for children on Apple Health Insurance. HopeCentral accepts all insurance for pediatric primary care other than CHPW.
Seattle Children’s Autism Center
Seattle Children’s offer autism evaluations, therapies, and many services.
UW Center on Human Development and Disability (CCHD)
The CCHD is a robust program that serves the disability community. They have an Autism Center which is able to perform evaluations and offer a number of treatment services.
Washington State Health Care Authority Autism Center of Excellence
An autism Center of Excellence (COE) is any medical practice, psychology practice, multidisciplinary assessment team or individual health care provider that has received the COE training authorized by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) or has been judged by the HCA to be qualified to diagnose autism and write a prescription for Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) services if appropriate. Go to list of Centers of Excellence by county.
Medical Supplies and Benefits
Washington Medical Equipment and Disability Aids
Therapy Resources
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapy
ABA is a Behavioral Intervention Program that helps improve multifaceted cognitive effectiveness for children with intellectual disabilities and autism. ABA therapy helps improve early behaviors to affect overall lifestyle and social interactions.
Early Learning and School Resources
Individual Education Program (IEP) Support
Based on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) / the Education for the Disabilities Act, the IEP meeting must be held annually. At this IEP meeting, you will work with school representatives to make decisions about special education supports and services to meet your child's needs.
Early Learning
Early Learning is very important and a top priority established by King County in Washington state with the goal of improving the early learning system so that developmental testing is critical to the health of young children. The Early Learning Program helps and supports children and their families to combat future children's learning, behavior and health problems.
Community Support
Alliance of People with disAbilities
The independent living center for King County that offers a number of different independent learning services.
Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
DDA is the Disability Development Management Center to guide eligible children and adults with disabilities and support them with daily living services including medicaid personal care, therapy , counseling, behavioral support, community activities, and jobs etc.
Parenting Resources
Families of Color Seattle
Families Of Color Seattle (FOCS) is a non-profit organization that is connecting parents to build a loving community of families of color. Founded in 2013, FOCS is led by mothers of color. Our programs include parent groups, community resources and events, and racial equity consulting. We specialize in community dialogues, workshops, and consulting on race, family engagement, and anti-bias education. We equip parents and educators with tools to talk with children on identity, racism, inclusion & equity, and trauma-informed practices. Parent groups include group for parents of children with disabilities.
Help Me Grow Washington
Help Me Grow is a nationally recognized resource and referral linkage system that guides families through a complex web of services to connect them to appropriate community supports. Call the Help Me Grow Washington Hotline at 1-800-322-2588
Parent Trust
Education and support services for families in Washington State. For more information, call the Family Help Line (800) 932-4673.
ParentHelp123
Age-based links to find resources for families of children with special needs.
Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) (English and Spanish)
Triple P is a parenting program that teaches a toolbox of ideas. You choose the strategies you need. You choose the way you want to use them. Triple P helps you:
● Raise happy, confident kids
● Manage misbehavior so everyone in the family enjoys life more.
● Set rules and routines that everyone respects and follows.
● Encourage behavior you like.
● Take care of yourself as a parent.
● Feel confident you’re doing the right thing.
Everyday Parenting: Free Online Course: Everyday Parenting: The ABCs of Child Rearing from Coursera (subtitles available in Chinese and Spanish)
Smarter Parenting
Videos and supporting documents for this free parenting support.
Clinical Resources for Providers
Supporting Autism in the Vietnamese Community: A Collaborative Approach, CME Provider Tool Kit
Resources and handouts that can help you better serve your patients!
Caring for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Practical Resource Toolkit for Clinicians, 3rd Edition
A tool kit of fact sheets and handouts from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) that can help providers meet the needs of children with autism. Learn how to improve your comfort level in applying new diagnostic criteria, address common issues, and be culturally appropriate in your interactions and care.
Evaluation and Management of Children and Adolescents With Acute Mental Health or Behavioral Problems Part I
Common Clinical Challenges of Patients with Mental Health and/or Behavioral Emergencies from - A clinical report by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Evaluation and Management of Children and Adolescents with Acute Mental Health or Behavioral Problems Part II
Recognition of Clinically Challenging Mental Health Related Conditions Presenting with Medical or Uncertain Symptoms - A clinical report by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
MCHAT-R (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers)
The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers is a screening questionnaire tool for toddlers ages 16 to 24 months of age. It is used to assess the risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and know if further evaluation is needed. MCHAT-R/F is to be used after a positive MCHAT-R score to access for ASD.
UW Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit
Receive consultations on a number of different environmental concerns.
Becoming a Center of Excellence
Training to be certified to perform Autism evaluation for children with Apple Health health insurance (Medicaid)
Care Coordination
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Medicaid Coverage Checklist
Apple Health Managed Care Plans
AMG - Amerigroup (855) 323-4688 Ext. 1061035173
CCW – Coordinated Care of Washington AHCC (Apple Health Core Connections/Foster Care) (844) 354-9876
CCW – Coordinated Care of Washington AHMC (Apple Health Managed Care) (877) 644-4613
CHPW – Community Health Plan of Washington (800) 440-1561
MHW – Molina Healthcare of Washington, Inc. (800) 869-7175 (TTY 711) Ext. 147183 or aba@molinahealthcare.com
UHC – United Healthcare Community Plan (866) 830-0325