Autism Center of Excellent Designation

Dr. Bly has recently completed the Center of Excellence Certification for autism spectrum disorder. This allows her to diagnose autism for patients with Medicaid and help families navigate treatment options including ABA therapy and current services available in Washington state.

Autism spectrum disorder is a complex behavioral diagnosis characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 54 children in the United States. Signs of autism usually appear by age 2 or 3, but most children are not diagnosed until after 4 years of age due to lack of services.

It is important to stay up to date with well child exams for routine growth and developmental screenings. Surveillance is done at every visit to ensure certain milestones are being met. ASD-specific screening is done at the 18- and 24- month well child visits.

If you have any concerns about your child's development, please do not hesitate to let your provider know.

For more information on Center of Excellence Certification, please see the Washington State Health Care Authority website at https://www.hca.wa.gov