Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is As You Are?

As You Are is a virtual clinic focused on reducing wait times for an autism diagnosis by providing evaluations through telehealth appointments. Families across the US are waiting years to get a diagnosis but As You Are physicians can get families answers in weeks.

What services do you offer and how can you help me?

Children need an autism diagnosis before beginning their care journey. Our team of physicians is here to provide early diagnostic services for autism through our virtual clinic. Our Care Sidekicks™ will help your family navigate the assessment process and answer your questions even after your child is evaluated.

What is a virtual clinic?

A virtual clinic is just that – a clinic with no doors, no walls, and available wherever you are. Our team of physicians can provide telehealth visits for you and your child in your own home.

Unlike a traditional clinic or a doctor’s office that provides in-person appointments, our team can provide care for your child virtually, keeping you and your child in the comfort and convenience of your home, eliminating the need for inconvenient travel or the stress of unfamiliar environments.

Where do you provide services?

At this time we can schedule appointments for children located in 43 states, which include:

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Iowa
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

Appointments Now Available In: Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Carolina, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

 

 

In addition to our existing service areas, it’s our mission to continue expanding access to As You Are experts and resources to communities across the country.

Are you interested in being notified when As You Are is available in your state? Let us know here:

MM slash DD slash YYYY

How old does my child need to be in order to receive your services?

At this time, our care team is dedicated to providing diagnostic services for children ages 16 months to 10 years old.

Do you offer services for adults?

At this time our program is designed specifically for children between 16 months and 10 years old to provide early diagnosis. Right now, we are planning to expand nationally, and are not yet currently planning to expand services to the adult population. We suggest talking to your healthcare provider about additional resources in your area.

What are your hours of operation?

Appointments can be scheduled from 7am-7pm Eastern.
Click here to start your appointment scheduling process.

Need to get in touch with a member of our team? The As You Are Support Team can be reached by phone or email:

Phone: 866-219-8595
Fax: Available upon request, differs by state
Email: [email protected]

How do I know if my child needs an evaluation for autism?

We know that understanding signs of autism can often be complex for caregivers. We are here to help! If you’re unsure of where to start, use this free online screening tool to help you establish if your child has an increased chance of receiving an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.

Do I need a referral from my doctor to schedule an appointment?

Short answer – No, you do not need a referral from your physician.

Your physician may recommend that your child be evaluated for possible autism, and that’s where As You Are can help.

To schedule your visit, start here. We will guide you through the process in order to schedule your three virtual appointments with the As You Are team of physicians.

As You Are is designed specifically to help families schedule appointments quickly, drastically reducing the time-to-diagnosis. With As You Are’s process that transcends geographic barriers, children as young as 16 months can receive timely and high-quality care in order to start the appropriate services for building the skills they need to thrive.

How do you diagnose autism?

As You Are uses an evidence-based approach, which is common practice, but our process differs by connecting families with physicians that have additional training and expertise in diagnosing autism spectrum disorders and by using exclusively virtual appointments to make the experience faster and more accessible to everyone (in the states the As You Are services are currently active).

How do you diagnose someone online?

Evaluations were traditionally always conducted in person. However, due to the effects of the pandemic, experts in the autism field had to adapt and developed methods to conduct diagnostic appointments using telehealth. Our physicians are trained to implement these evidence-based assessment methods. Our evaluation process is complete in three individual virtual video appointments, including a clinical interview, standardized behavioral observation and results visit.

How long does it take to receive an autism diagnosis?

Through As You Are, children can receive a diagnosis in under one month, enabling you to work with your child to build the foundational skills that will help them flourish. Typically we can complete full evaluations within 4 weeks from the time of intake.

How long will I wait for my first appointment?

Our process is designed to see children in weeks instead of months. We have appointments available for new patients in 43 states, including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Appointments Now Available In: Colorado, Massachusetts, Rhode Island

If your child is outside of our current service area, you can select to receive notifications when appointments are available in your state. Scroll up and click on the question, “Where do you provide services?”. Input your information and we will be in touch soon!

Can you provide in-person evaluations?

At this time we only see patients virtually, which means your child can receive care in your own home.

Do I need to download video conferencing software like Zoom for an appointment?

No, a web browser-based video conference is easily accessed through a link sent to you via email or text after scheduling your appointment to make the process as simple as possible.

Am I able to use a mobile device for the appointment?

Yes. But it is recommended to use a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. For the mobile experience, patients can use the Chrome browser on Android devices or the Safari browser on iPhone devices.

Which browsers should I use on my desktop or mobile device?

Supported Desktop browsers:

  • Google Chrome (latest three versions), for macOS and Windows
  • Microsoft Edge (chromium-based, version 79 and later), for Windows
  • Safari (version 12+ on macOS)
  • Firefox (latest three versions), for macOS and Windows

Supported Mobile Browsers:

  • Google Chrome on Android (latest three versions)
  • Samsung Internet Browser (version 12+) on Android
  • Safari on iOS 12+

Important: The video conferencing software is not supported on other browsers (such as Chrome) on iOS, because those browsers do not support WebRTC.

To test your device and ensure it will work for the visit, you can use this link:

How do I set up my device for my child’s video appointment with the physician?

You will receive the link to join your virtual appointment in a confirmation email once you complete all the necessary paperwork.

Before your visit, please test your device’s audio and video by clicking the “guidance for preparing for your online visit” link to ensure no time is wasted during the visit. The actual appointment link will not work until the day of the visit, but this testing link will take you through a pre-appointment device check and is always available.

My device’s camera and/or microphone don’t seem to be working while using the video conferencing software.

Make sure you allow the video conferencing software to access your device’s camera and microphone. If the issue continues, please call our Patient Support Team at 866-219-8595.

What does the process look like?

Our process starts with answering a handful of questions that will help us get to know your child. Then, you’ll be guided through a step by step process, designed to get you quickly connected with a physician trained in diagnosing autism spectrum disorder.

Understand how our process works in detail here.

Who conducts the autism evaluations?

The As You Are clinical team is composed of highly-skilled, board-certified physicians that are trained to evaluate children for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). All of our providers are incredibly passionate about helping families obtain and understand an autism evaluation, as well as connecting them with vital resources, regardless of the final diagnosis.

Learn more about our amazing physicians here.

What diagnostic tests are performed as a part of the evaluation for younger children?

Our physicians are extensively trained to evaluate children between 16 months and 10 years old for autism using an evidence-based approach. We use validated standardized observation tools specifically adapted for telehealth and the particular tool used will depend on your child’s age.

Will my child's evaluation results help us with IEP, 504 plans and/or access to other therapies?

Yes! This qualifies as an official medical diagnosis. Some insurance policies have their own specific requirements that may differ from our evaluation process. However, our Care Sidekick™ team and physicians will work with your insurance company and provide documentation (and appeals if required) to help you access the services your child needs. We can also provide a letter with the diagnosis requesting a 504 plan and IEP evaluation for your child.

What happens after the evaluation?

Our team of physicians will work with you to develop an individualized plan of action for your child and connect you with supplemental resources. We understand the many pathways available and work with families to help make sure they get what they need, when they need it. Some states require families to use their care coordination program, so our team will connect you to those resources when necessary. *Care Coordination resources may vary by state and based on the child’s health insurance plan.

 

What's the best way to contact you?

Our team is happy to answer any questions or address any concerns that you may have throughout the process. Our phone number is listed below, and likely the best way to get in touch quickly. You can also email us at [email protected]. We aim to return all messages within 24 business hours.

Phone:866-219-8595
Fax: Available upon request, differs by state

Is this right for me?

You’re not alone! Many parents have questions about their child’s developmental milestones and wonder if their child has autism. This often comes with many emotions and questions: How will others perceive my child and family? Will my child be able to enjoy life? Am I able to make a meaningful relationship with my child? Asking these questions is part of the journey. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed as the journey unfolds. Our promise to you is that together we’ll get you answers, make a plan you feel great about and help you get connected to the care you and your family need. So, whether your child’s behaviors are best explained by an autism diagnosis or a different diagnosis, our physicians are here to help. 

What if my child doesn't receive an autism diagnosis?

Signs and symptoms of autism can vary. What may appear to be autism could be expressive or receptive speech delay, sensory processing disorder, generalized anxiety or a developmental delay that could have applicable therapies. Whether your child receives an autism diagnosis or another diagnosis, our physicians will provide individualized treatment recommendations for your child as part of every evaluation.

Scheduling

How do I schedule an appointment?

If you are ready to schedule a visit, you can click on the button below. If you are unsure about your child’s risk and would like to take an initial assessment to learn more, you can simply start the process here by answering a few questions. This questionnaire will give you an immediate understanding if further evaluation with a physician is necessary. If your child’s results suggest a formal evaluation, simply follow the steps provided.

For step by step information on our scheduling process, click here.

Schedule my Appointment

How do I reschedule my appointment?

If you need to reschedule your appointment, please call our As You Are Support Team at 866-219-8595. We will do our best to accommodate any necessary changes in scheduling your child’s appointments. Please consider our Appointment Scheduling Policy.

How do I cancel my appointment?

If you need to cancel your appointment, please call our As You Are Support Team at 866-219-8595 to reschedule. We require a 48 hour notification. Please consider our Appointment Scheduling Policy.

Who should be at the appointments?

  • Initial Appointment: We recommend the primary caregiver(s) who can communicate about the child’s behaviors and medical history be present
  • Second (Observation) Appointment: The primary caregiver and child will need to be present. It may be helpful to have an additional caregiver in the room with the child to conduct the activities for the behavioral observation. 
  • Third (Results) Appointment: During this visit, the physician will review the results and recommended next steps with the primary caregiver(s).

*Your child will need to be present for the second (observation) appointment, but they are not required to attend the first or third appointment.

Can more than one person sign-in to attend the appointment?

Great question! Yes! We understand that parents or other caregivers may want to be a part of the appointment and evaluation conversations, but may not be able to be in the same location. Specific instructions on how to join the virtual appointment in two different locations will be shared once the appointment is scheduled.

How do I create and access my patient portal?

Once you schedule the initial appointment, you’ll receive an email from us with instructions on how to create your Athena Patient Portal account. The patient portal gives you access to information related to your services with As You Are. You’ll be able to see upcoming appointments, messages from the As You Are team, appointment notes and even recent test results. We recommend that you create your account before your child’s first visit.

Appointment Scheduling Policy

Where we provide services

In compliance with Telehealth laws our providers will only be able to provide services if the patient is located at the time of service in the state the physician is licensed in. If not, the appointment will be rescheduled to the first available date with a physician licensed in that state.

Rescheduling 48 hour notice

We value the time we have set aside to see and treat your child. We do not double book appointments. If you are not able to keep an appointment, we would appreciate 48-hour notice. There is a charge of $30 for missed or canceled appointments without 48-hour notice. 

Late to an appointment

If you are more than 15 minutes late for your appointment, we will do our best to accommodate you. However, on certain days it may be necessary to reschedule your appointment. Please notify our team if you are running late  866-219-8595.

Complete required Paperwork

Our team will make multiple attempts to connect with you and remind you to complete the required paperwork for your child’s evaluation appointment. If the information has not been completed prior to your appointment time, we may need to reschedule your appointment to ensure we are able to provide the appropriate care and best As You Are experience. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding of our scheduling policy to ensure a great experience for all As You Are families.

Billing & Payment

How much do the appointments cost?

Just like at a doctor’s office, the cost for As You Are diagnostic services is dependent on a child’s health insurance and specific plan. We understand health insurance can be confusing, so our patient support team is happy to help. As part of our process, we will review a child’s insurance benefits and review the potential out of pocket patient responsibility with their parent or guardian via phone before their first visit with a physician.

How can I pay?

You can select your preferred method of payment: (1) self pay or (2) process services through the patient’s health insurance plan. Our team is happy to bill your health insurance and work with you directly to address any out of pocket expenses that your insurance allocates to you. Contact [email protected] or call our As You Are Support Team at 866-219-8595.

What insurance is accepted?

We accept insurance, including Medicaid, TRICARE and commercial health insurance. While coverage decisions are made by the health insurance companies (which may vary by state and are based on each child’s benefits plan), our team is here to help provide answers in a timely manner! Our Support Team is just a phone call away: 866-219-8595.

If using insurance, how will I know what the cost will be?

Each patient’s responsibility is specific to his or her health insurance plan (due to differences in copays, coinsurance, and deductibles). We encourage you to call the As You Are Patient Support Team, who can provide you with an estimate of the total service costs prior to your first appointment.

Our team is happy to answer any of your questions regarding insurance. If you’d like, we can complete a thorough benefit verification on your behalf to provide you with information regarding your benefits for the As You Are service offerings. Get started below to get in touch with a member of our support team who will walk you through the process and share available options.

Check Eligibility

 

When do I have to pay?

After each appointment is completed, our team will help process the documentation according to your preferred method of payment.

  • Self Pay: you will receive a statement detailing the charges for the services rendered. These may differ slightly from the original estimate. (see above RE: payment options)
  • Insurance: our team will bill your insurance plan and once the claim is fully adjudicated, you will receive a final bill detailing the amount covered by your insurance, and the remaining patient responsibility portion. Keep in mind that your final bill will consist of actual services rendered and may differ slightly from the original estimate.
    If you have any questions regarding the bill please call our As You Are Support Team at 866-219-8595.

What if my insurance claim is rejected or the bill is incorrect?

That’s what we’re here to help with! Our Patient Support Team can work with you and your health insurance company to resubmit denied claims and appeal decisions. However, coverage decisions are made by your health insurance company. 

Didn’t find what you’re looking for or have more questions? Call us 866-219-8595 or Email us here.