SMART  (School-Medical Autism Review Team) was developed by the LEWIS COUNTY AUTISM COALITION, bridges formal and informal systems  together to work as a team for children on the autism spectrum.  These professionals find the best services to support their success in school and life.

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A Collaborative Approach to Autism Diagnosis & Support

Beginning in 2010, the Lewis County Autism Coalition pioneered the SMART Team model, an innovative, community-based approach to improve autism screening, diagnosis, and coordinated care.

 

💡 What is a SMART Team?

A SMART Team is a collaborative model where a child’s care network comes together to provide a more complete and coordinated autism evaluation. This includes the child’s primary care provider, school staff or early intervention specialists, and other professionals involved in the child’s development. Working as a team, they combine their observations, assessments, and insights to create a more holistic picture of the child. Families are supported in gathering input from all relevant sources using a shared document, often referred to as the SMART tool, which helps ensure no piece of the puzzle is overlooked.

This unified approach strengthens the connection between medical and educational systems and improves the diagnostic experience for families.

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• Streamline autism evaluations

• Foster communication between systems

• Reduce the burden on families

• Improve early intervention and access to services

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The SMART model is now active in 31 counties across Washington State, and LCAC is proud to have launched the original pilot here in Lewis County.

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Available SMART Teams 

Chanel Patana, PNP and COE Provider, is transitioning from Valley View Health Center as owner, Center of Excellence provider, and leader of Lewis County Pediatrics & Family Medicine, a new, independent pediatric practice located adjacent to our newest and most exciting project ever!

The Spectrum & Development Community Center (S&D CC)!!!

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In addition, Northwest Pediatric Center (NW Peds) operate its

own independent SMART team.

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What's Next:

SMART at the Spectrum & Development Community Center

Beginning end of summer/early fall 2025, LCAC will relaunch our Lewis County SMART Team based out of the Spectrum & Development Community Center, a brand-new facility designed to increase rural access to autism supports and whole-family care.

Our new SMART team will include:

• Lewis County Pediatrics & Family Medicine (Center of Excellence)

• Local school partners and educational service districts

• Speech-language, occupational therapy, and behavioral health providers

• Bilingual care coordinators and peer navigators

• Regional experts and family advocates

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Together, we aim to continue the legacy of the SMART model by building a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, family-centered autism support system tailored for rural Washington.

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 Interested in Joining or Referring?

If you’re a provider, school staff member, or community advocate interested in participating in the SMART Team or referring a family, we’d love to connect.

📬 Contact: executivedirector@lcautism.org
📍 Visit us at the Spectrum & Development Community Center

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This comprehensive program provides services close to home, and creates a comforting safety net between families, primary care providers and school teachers. Evaluations are shared, leading to more support for ASD children from people who know them best.

(Click the link below to learn more about the SMART model)