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AUTISM HAS MANY FACES.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU OR YOUR CHILD HAS ASD?

To book an appointment with a GAC provider, please click below and complete our confidential form. A member of our staff
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Georgia Autism Center Explains the Problem with Autism Spectrum Disorder

GAC Introduction
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The Problems with ASD, Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders or Genetic Conditions

DIFFICULT ASD DIAGNOSIS

 

Because ASD varies widely in severity, making a diagnosis may be difficult, especially because there is not a specific medical test to determine the disorder. Instead, a variety of tests are utilized that may include cognitive, developmental, social, language, adaptive, and emotional/behavioral functioning.

DISJOINTED RESOURCES

 

Resources are available to parents, schools, medical professionals, and community members. Broad resources are easy to find, but it takes a tremendous amount of time to sort through each one to determine what steps to take on your child's path to treatment.

LACK OF CONTINUUM

OF CARE

 

Once you find the resources you need, it's a stop and go process - find a practitioner who can help with treatment, get an IEP, work with the school on programming, figure out what financial assistance is available. As your child moves into young adulthood and on to adulthood, what comes next? Who will be there to help as your child grows up?

HOW CAN GAC   HELP?

ASSESSMENT

COORDINATION OF CARE

FINANCIAL PLANNING

Georgia Autism Center provides assessment, diagnosis, coordination of care, educational planning or assistance with the development of IEPs, and support for families of children with special needs.

 

ASSESSMENT
COORDINATION OF CARE
FINANCIAL PLANNING
Assessment

Dr. Fox assesses children as young as 12 months through early adulthood to detect signs of neurocognitive or developmental delays. For children under 16 months, she offers a screening to determine if that child is at risk for an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Dr. Fox also assesses adults with developmental disabilities to assist with obtaining resources in the community.

​Dr. Coleman assesses children as early as 12 months to detect signs of developmental delays and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She also assesses for signs of secondary anxiety in early childhood and provides support to parents and caregivers in how to support their anxious children. If you believe that your child may have a neurodevelopmental disorder and is experiencing anxiety, feel free to reach out to Dr. Coleman for further support and guidance.   

  

​In 2019, Dr. Travers joined Georgia Autism Center to provide comprehensive evaluations for neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorders, including ASD and ADHD, to individuals from early childhood through adulthood. Informed by her prior training in therapy and research, Dr. Travers conducts assessments to identify evidence-based interventions, community services, and financial resources that will best support clients and their families. 

Dr. Brittany Duncan is a Georgia native who has extensive experience working with young children and adolescents with complex medical problems, behavioral disorders, and neurodevelopmental disabilities. Dr. Duncan specializes in psychological assessment, currently providing psychoeducational and neurodevelopmental evaluations, including comprehensive Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder evaluations.

Dr. Walker’s diverse training background and clinical experiences allowed her to see how critical the assessment stage is in client care. Her current clinical focus is on the assessment of ASD, developmental delays, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), emotional disorders, and behavioral issues. Understanding that the assessment stage can be an overwhelming time for many, Dr. Walker seeks to instill hope and provide support for children and their families as she aids in treatment planning and assists with coordination of care.

Dr. Brandy Chandler Psy.D. is a compassionate licensed psychologist with over two decades of experience in various clinical settings, specializing in child-focused assessment, particularly Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders. With a strong background in individual and group psychotherapy, as well as psychological assessment across different age groups, Dr. Chandler is dedicated to providing comprehensive care to her clients. Her expertise spans from working with severe mental illnesses to learning challenges and medical comorbidities. Dr. Chandler's commitment to early diagnosis and intervention services reflects her passion for pediatric psychology and improving the lives of children and their families.

Dr. Langford’s passion for her work and the families she sees has led her to join Georgia Autism Center as a licensed psychologist in 2023. The assessment process can come with uncertainty but also hope for the future, and Dr. Langford’s goal is to foster that hope and provide families with support and guidance through the various stages of the assessment process. She believes in a collaborative process and works with families to ensure the best possible success and future for their children.

If you feel like your child may have ASD or other neurocognitive or developmental delays, we encourage you to utilize our assessment tool.

Coordination of Care

The staff of Georgia Autism Center works closely with early intervention programs; public and private school sectors; developmental pediatricians; pediatric neurologists; pediatric psychologists and psychiatrists; genetics; ABA agencies; and various speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists so that their clients have complete and coordinated care.

Financial Planning

The staff of Georgia Autism Center has developed relationships with other professionals in the community who can assist with financial planning such as developing special needs trusts as well as assisting with obtaining financial support through state funding, including the Katie Beckett Deeming Waiver, New Options Waiver (NOW), and Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program (COMP).

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Because the staff of Georgia Autism Center uses a team approach to caring for your child, they will work with you to design successful interventions and will consider your, or your child’s, unique medical, behavioral and educational needs. They will help connect you with treatment and support services in the community. Learn more about our Resources and Community Partners.

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announcementS

Is your child already diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?


Are you pregnant or planning to get pregnant and wondering what the risk of ASD will be in your baby?
 

The risk of an ASD in your newborn is increased when they have a first-degree relative diagnosed with autism. The Lurie Center is conducting a multicenter study to understand the many factors that contribute to the development of Autism Spectrum Disorders. A major aim of the study is to identify biomarker predictors (in the blood, stool, urine or saliva) of ASD in at-risk infants.


Newborns and infants who have a first-degree relative (sibling) with diagnosed ASD are eligible to participate. The study involves the collection of blood, stool, urine and saliva samples from your infant over a three-year period.


For more information, visit the GEMMA website or contact Sammy Devane at (617) 643-6918.

Genome, Environment, Microbiome and

Metabolome in Autism (GEMMA) Study

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE!

Take a look at this list of research studies being funded by the Marcus Autism Center.

Your child may be eligible.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

Andrea R.

Dr.Fox was able to look beyond my son autism and help him with counseling and later with testing. During this experience I found her  [a} delightful person to work with who has a unique combination of professionalism, understanding, thoroughness, warmth,  patience and, at the same time, is very personable. My son is 20 years old, but he has come a long way. He is able to work part-time, loves to attend social groups and is able to help me at home. I'm very grateful to have Dr.Fox working with us.  I highly recommend her services.

Celeste S.

My son has been a patient of Dr. Jaymie Fox for over five years. She has helped us tremendously through diagnosis and conquering developmental and growth challenges. Dr. Fox is a great listener, knowledgeable and resourceful. I am appreciative of the way she interacts with me and my son. She is thorough, insightful and very easy to communicate with. I would recommend Dr. Fox without reservation.

Ann E.

Jaymie Fox is a blessing to so many families.  Raise Them High has worked closely with Jaymie for more than 10 years and we always receive amazing service and reports from Jaymie.  Her reputation is outstanding and the good works she does for people and her community is above and beyond.  Not only is she wonderful with her clients and their families, she is always professional, knowledgeable, and prompt. Jaymie Fox is an integral component to the special needs world!

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