HOPKINSVILLE, KENTUCKY- 4-year-old Maverick isn’t named after the Top Gun character, but wins over any crowd with his movie star-like personality. His mother, Alicia Fuller, is his biggest fan and would do anything for him. So when she suspected he might have autism, she tried to get an appointment for an evaluation. That’s when she hit one roadblock after another.
“Everywhere was going to have to wait 3 years to get Maverick evaluated for autism. I was researching everything, I was in tears” she said.
Alicia was already one year into a three year waitlist when she saw a Facebook ad for As You Are, a virtual clinic that dramatically increases access to early autism diagnostic services through the use of exclusively telehealth appointments. When she spoke with the support team, Alicia learned that her son’s individual insurance plan was accepted and that she could get an appointment quickly.
She said, “It blew my mind. You guys are a complete blessing, especially to me as I live in Kentucky. Everywhere I looked was going to be years.”
Maverick received an autism diagnosis after meeting with a dedicated As You Are physician over three brief 30 minute video calls. Afterwards, a Care Sidekick acted as a guide to help find therapy for Maverick in his area.
“It’s all done virtually from the comfort of your home. They are extremely understanding and patient. They give you resources to help. They are all just extremely caring and understanding,” she said.
Do you have questions about your child’s development? The team at As You Are provides diagnostic evaluations for kids 16 months to 10 years old via telehealth appointments along with useful resources, including an online autism screening. Learn more at asyouare.com.
