Medical providers, school psychologists, mental health providers, sped directors, and early childhood providers in Walla Walla and Columbia counties are invited to attend a SMART informational dinner on Thursday, April 11, 2024, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Sonbridge (1200 SE 12^th St, College Place, WA).  Flyer

Registration available here  

Children and families in many communities in Washington state are unable to access a timely assessment for autism or other developmental disabilities, delaying connection to helpful services. Some may wait months, or even years, for an autism evaluation at a distant tertiary care center because there are no options closer to home. Transportation and language barriers are also issues for many families.

To address this challenge, the Washington Department of Health and the University of Washington implemented the School and Medical Autism Review Teams (SMART) model, which builds on and expands community capacity in rural and underserved communities that do not have access to a local multidisciplinary diagnostic center. The model was developed to connect primary care providers, schools, early intervention agencies, and families together to share their knowledge to better connect children to support, services, and resources.

For additional information, please contact Krystal Ceron at kceron@co.walla-walla.wa.us or (509)524-2624.