By Tracy Burton
Mom, Board Certified Pediatrician and Chief Medical Officer at As You Are
Dr. Tracy Burton is a board-certified pediatrician and the Chief Medical Officer at As You Are. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Burton is dedicated to providing timely, compassionate care to families navigating developmental concerns. She completed her medical degree at the University of Alabama School of Medicine and her residency at the University of South Florida. Dr. Burton is licensed to practice in multiple states, including Texas, California, and New York.
This is part two of our three-part series on adolescent autism re-evaluations. Read part one: Bridging the Adolescent Autism Re-Evaluation Gap or skip ahead to part three: Navigating Re-Evaluation Requirements.
In our previous article, we explored the significant challenges families face when seeking re-evaluations for adolescents with autism. Now, let’s look at how telehealth is transforming access to these critical services.
Our Solution: Telehealth Re-Evaluations
Recognizing the critical gap in services, we’ve expanded our telehealth model to include autism re-evaluations for adolescents and teens ages 11-17. This service is designed specifically for children who:
- Have previously received an autism diagnosis
- Need updated documentation for continued services
- Are experiencing developmental changes that may warrant adjustments to their support plan
- Are preparing for educational transitions
- The Telehealth Advantage for Adolescents
Our telehealth approach offers several benefits that are particularly valuable for adolescent evaluations:
- Reduced Anxiety: Many autistic adolescents experience heightened anxiety in unfamiliar clinical settings. Telehealth allows them to participate from the comfort of their home, often resulting in more authentic interactions.
- Natural Environment Observation: We can observe adolescents in their everyday surroundings, providing valuable insights into their daily functioning that might not be apparent in a clinical setting.
- No Geographic Barriers: Families in rural and underserved areas can access specialized evaluations without extensive travel, opening doors to care that might otherwise be inaccessible.
- Timely Documentation: Without lengthy waitlists, families can maintain continuity in educational and therapeutic services, preventing harmful interruptions in support.
Who Can Benefit?
Our telehealth re-evaluation service helps adolescents who need updated documentation for:
- Continuing beneficial therapy services
- Maintaining educational accommodations
- Transitioning between schools or educational levels
- Adjusting support strategies to address evolving needs
The only requirements are:
- A previous autism diagnosis and
- Documentation of that assessment
Ready to learn more about specific requirements? Read part three of our series: Navigating Re-Evaluation Requirements.
Ready to get started with a re-evaluation for your adolescent? Schedule Now
