Since opening its doors in 2009, Seattle Children’s Autism Center has become a national model for effective treatment and pioneering research. It is also a vital resource for families throughout the Pacific Northwest. It is the only program in our region that provides diagnosis and treatment regardless of a family’s ability to pay. However, the need is great and growing.
On any given day, hundreds of families are awaiting diagnostic evaluations at the Autism Center— and this list gets longer: they receive nearly 180 referrals each week. Since opening, their patient load has doubled, and patient visits have increased sevenfold, totaling 20,000 annually. The wait for treatment — sometimes up to a year — can be agonizing.
Autism can be one of the most challenging, life-altering neurological conditions families face. Support is vital to expand access and support research for personalized diagnoses and treatments.