Autism Awareness Month: Supporting Families Every Step of the Way

April marks Autism Awareness Month, a time when we at the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center highlight our commitment to supporting autistic individuals and their families.

Early Identification and Comprehensive Care

One of the cornerstones of our Pediatrics services is our commitment to identifying children with developmental disabilities early and providing comprehensive care through a multidisciplinary approach.

Thanks to better understanding and awareness of autism, more children are being diagnosed earlier, which means they can access the support they need sooner.

“By identifying autism early, children can begin the interventions they need as soon as possible,” said Dr. Angela Chan, a developmental behavioral pediatrician at CBWCHC. “Early childhood is a critical time for brain development and forming connections that will help children reach their full potential.”

Our Pediatrics team offers a range of services tailored to each child's needs, including routine developmental screening, personalized care coordination, and access to a well-rounded team of professionals. This team includes clinicians, care managers, social workers, and Parent Peer Leaders who understand firsthand the journey of raising a child with autism.

Empowering Parents as Partners

Since 2011, our Special Needs Program (SNP) has been dedicated to helping children with developmental disabilities and their families. At the heart of the SNP are our dedicated Parent Peer Leaders. These invaluable members of our team are parents themselves, bringing empathy and practical advice to their role in supporting other families. They offer bilingual support through drop-in groups, workshops, and one-on-one connections, empowering caregivers with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the challenges of advocating for their children.

Creating a More Inclusive Community

Together with our community partners, we're working to create a more inclusive environment where individuals with autism and their families feel supported and valued. Through our collaborative efforts and dedication to empowering families, we're making strides towards this goal every day.

As we observe Autism Awareness Month, let us come together to raise awareness, foster acceptance, and support autistic individuals and their families. Together, we can build a more inclusive and compassionate community for all.

For more information about the pediatric and parent support services we offer, please visit our Pediatrics webpage or send our team an email at parentpeerleader@cbwchc.org.