Lewis County Autism Coalition
Espanol?
WE ARE
SMART
Eligible children can be screened for autism and have a team to support their success!
SMART
(School-Medical Autism Review Team)
What is SMART?
Coordinated Support
SMART - School-Medical Autism Review Team
Coordinated support for families navigating autism diagnosis and next steps. Faster answers. Less stress. Real partnership between schools, providers, and families.
The School-Medical Autism Review Team (SMART) is a collaborative model that brings together medical providers, school teams, therapists, and family supports to create a clear, coordinated path for autism evaluation and services. Instead of families navigating systems alone, SMART brings everyone to the table, working together, sharing information, and ensuring children receive the right supports at the right time.
SMART HELPS FAMILIES
We welcome families from all backgrounds. No referral is too small or too early.
Connect with bilingual, culturally-responsive assistance when needed
Receive coordinated, compassionate support
- Understand the evaluation process
- Navigate autism diagnosis without getting lost in the system
- Reduce delays in accessing services
Who Is SMART for?
SMART is designed for:
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Families who are beginning the autism evaluation process
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Children with developmental concerns who may need a coordinated medical + school approach
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Providers who want a clearer way to support families
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Schools seeking alignment with diagnostic teams
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Rural communities facing long waitlists or limited local specialists
In short: SMART supports anyone who needs a streamlined, more connected approach to autism evaluation and care.
Need to Make a Referral? Please go to: REFERRAL FORM
How SMART Works
SMART Teams collaborate to:
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Review developmental, behavioral, and school information together
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Clarify whether a child may meet criteria for ASD or another developmental difference
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Coordinate next steps
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Reduce duplication for families
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Improve communication between systems
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Ensure timely access to services
This model honors what families already know about their child and ensures they don’t have to repeat their story over and over
Why SMART Works
Collaborative Care Matters
Families are often faced with long waitlists, confusing paperwork, and conflicting information. SMART creates:
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A single, coordinated process
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Shared understanding across school, medical, and therapy systems
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Earlier access to services
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Less burden on caregivers
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Better outcomes for children
FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO GET STARTED
Step 1: Contact LCAC
Our team will help determine the best next step for your child or the family you are supporting.
Call or Text: (253) 421-3671
Please complete the form below and provide as much information as possible.
We work to respond within 48 hours.
Step 2: Complete the SMART Packet
The SMART Packet is a detailed form and yes, it’s long. That is intentional. It gathers school, medical, developmental, and family information all in one place so that the team can avoid duplicate assessments and reduce the burden on families. We can help some families complete it because it can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to do it alone.
Download the Packet:
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SMART Packet – English (PDF link)
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Formulario Inteligentes
Step 3: Submit the Packet
You can email it to outreach@lcautism.org
(or)
bring it to the Spectrum & Development Community Center located at:
375 Linhart Ave SE, Suite B, Napavine WA 98565.
Step 4: SMART Team Review
Our multidisciplinary team reviews materials and collaborates with your child’s school and medical providers.
Step 5: Next Steps & Follow-Up
You’ll receive clear guidance on:
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Whether further evaluation is recommended
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What supports can begin now
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What referrals may help
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What the school team may also provide
Additional Info
Where SMART Is Available
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Lewis County Pediatric & Family Medicine - Napavine, WA
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Spectrum & Development Community Center - Napavine, WA
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Local partner clinics
For Providers & Schools
SMART supports professionals by:
Creating a shared framework for evaluating ASD
Improving communication between systems
Supporting differential diagnosis
Reducing duplicate testing
Ensuring families understand the process
Providing a reliable resource for referrals
NEED TO MAKE A REFERRAL?
Get Involved
We continue to expand SMART in partnership with community clinics, schools, and providers across Lewis County.
If you work with children and want to participate or refer, we would love to connect. Please email outreach@lcautism.org
Learn More about Statewide SMART programs by clicking the link above!
FAQ - Common Questions
1. Can families self-refer? Yes.
Is there a cost?
No. SMART is offered free through the Lewis County Autism Coalition and our partners.
2. Do you prioritize one clinic/provider over others?
No. LCAC helps families complete the SMART Packet and then connects them with any qualified Center of Excellence provider who accepts Medicaid. Although we are co-located with Chanel Patana, PNP (COE), families may choose any provider that fits their needs.
3. What if my child already has an IEP?
SMART can still help clarify needs and support alignment between medical and school teams.
4. What if we only need help with the paperwork?
We can meet with families one-on-one to complete the packet, in English or Spanish.
More Questions? We’re Here to Help.
Lewis County Autism Coalition
outreach@lcautism.org
SMART Facilitator: (253) 421-3671
Spectrum & Development Community Center
Napavine, WA
“Nothing about us without us.”