Pediatric specialists are helping families navigate autism
UF Health Jacksonville’s CARD program is one of 7 sites in the state of Florida.
One in 36 8-year-olds were identified with autism spectrum disorder based on 2020 data, according to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network.
The Center for Autism Related Disabilities, or CARD, has been a source of support to individuals, parents and families navigating autism spectrum disorder and related disabilities. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition diagnosed during childhood as early as age 3. It may affect how individuals behave, communicate, learn and interact with others. Related disabilities include dual-sensory impairment or deaf-blindness, and sensory impairments with other disabling conditions, such as individuals with hearing or vision loss in addition to a developmental disability.
Providing support for individuals and their families
CARD’s mission is to educate and empower individuals and families throughout the child’s lifespan by providing support, assistance and awareness within the community. The ultimate goal is to optimize the potential of all individuals with autism and related disabilities. Located at UF Health Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics – DuPont Station, CARD provides free services to individuals, their families and the professionals who work with them, serving patients living in Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau and St. Johns counties.
David Childers, MD, chief of the division of neurodevelopmental pediatrics, and Jeannie Potthast, MBA, MEd, director of CARD, lead a dedicated multidisciplinary team to provide compassionate and comprehensive services for patients with autism.
“CARD is a one-stop shop, where we triage internally to our neurodevelopmental programs and externally to community resources. We serve the lifespan. Our philosophy is to not only treat the patient, but also, since the whole family is affected, we treat the entire family,” Childers said.
CARD receives referrals from school districts and pediatricians, and directly from parents. To receive services, the individual must have a qualifying diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, a social communication disorder or a diagnosis with significant red flags. CARD does not perform diagnostic evaluations but can help families find a qualified professional. Services available to families include case management, individual and group trainings on communication, behavior and social skills, counseling, support groups and sibling workshops, as well referrals to community resources.
Community outreach
In addition to serving families, CARD provides training to schools and the community, including law enforcement.
“We collaborate with local and regional school districts and community agencies to coordinate services for children, as well as provide training.” Potthast said. “CARD is invited to numerous events to educate others about autism and related disabilities.”
Educators receive training on strategies to incorporate in the classroom when children exhibit certain behaviors, and learn effective strategies for teaching math, reading and other subjects. CARD will begin offering training for law enforcement personnel, providing them with an understanding of autism and how to engage with children living with different ability levels.
Making a difference
Throughout the year, CARD hosts special events and activities to provide respite and a sense of normalcy for families and siblings. State funding is limited, so CARD relies on donations of time and treasure from companies and individuals donating time and treasure — making special family events possible. CARD recently resumed hosting its annual Spring Fling after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19. More than 200 children and families attended the well-received event. The center offered games, hand and face painting, and prizes, and community agencies shared giveaways, information and treats. CARD staff led children from one fun station to the next.
The CARD team is committed to making a difference in the lives of families, and also to educating the community and professionals about autism and related disabilities.
“It’s the big picture, helping families remain a family structure, whatever the structure may be for the individual family,” Childers said. “I work with a group of dedicated people who are helping families become more resilient.”
Visit www.pediatrics.med.jax.ufl.edu/autism/aboutcard for more information about CARD.
