I think my child has autism...

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Always express any developmental concerns you may have with your child's pediatrician.  Ask about professionals who are comfortable and capable of evaluating an individual for autism spectrum disorder. This should not be done in a quick office visit.  Provide information, no matter how insignificant you may think it is.  Ask questions, no matter how ridiculous you think it sounds.  If you don't understand something, ASK!  You are your child's best advocate and sometimes a diagnosis can mean the difference between appropriate services and NO services.  Early intervention is critical to young children on the spectrum.  If your child is under the age of three seek out EarlySteps - Louisiana's early intervention program for babies 0-3.  Your child may not qualify for services; however, they do offer an autism screening tool that can indicate some red flags and whether or not you should consult with your pediatrician.  If your child is over the age of three and does not already have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), contact your child's teacher for a referral for service.  You can also contact us if you need guidance on how to get an educational evaluation.    

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Resources for Obtaining an Evaluation

Please contact any of the following providers to see what type of insurance they accept and to make an appointment. This is not an exhaustive list of providers who may be able to evaluate an individual for autism spectrum disorder.  SOAR does not endorse or promote any of the following professionals.  They are listed as resources only.  

Dr. Steven Felix - Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics
8415 Goodwood Blvd
Ste 200
Baton Rouge, La 
225-765-6346
medicaid accepted

Live Oak Children's Center
56 Louis Prima Drive
Suite A
Covington, La 70433
​985-327-7256

Ochsner Children's Health Center, Pediatric Neurology
1315 Jefferson Hwy
New Orleans, La
504-842-3000
​medicaid accepted

Tulane School of Medicine Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences
Lisa Settles, PsyD
504-988-5405
medicaid accepted

Dr. Veena Poole- North Shore and South Shore Counseling and Wellness
201 Holiday Blvd.
Suite 120
Covington, LA 70433
(985) 224-5712

 Dr. Pamela B. Deters- Crossroads Behavioral Health 
42334 Deluxe Plz Ste 2
Hammond, LA 70403
(985) 662-5520​

Acadian Care 
1150 W. Causeway Approach
Mandeville, La. 70471
985-781-7353
medicaid accepted

BOH Center for Child Development 
1319 Jefferson Highway
New Orleans, La. 70121
504-842-3900
medicaid accepted