Use the map below to locate Special Needs services, along with directions, contact info, and descriptive information.

On laptops, use the Mouse Button or Down Arrow to scroll through the left column of resources.

This map was created in collaboration with Navajo families that have children with special healthcare needs living on and off the Navajo Nation.

Research study: Recruiting Licensed Practitioners on Developmental Assessments for Autism

Licensed professionals include speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, interventionist, developmental pediatrician, nurse, etc. who have used standardized developmental assessment for autism with Diné children younger than 13 years old in the past 2 years.

Contact Davis Henderson at Davis.Henderson@nau.edu or AHAA@nau.edu

Research study: Recruiting Navajo Parents and Guardians of Children with Autism

Diné parents with a children with autism that is 2-12 years old, please share your experiences on autism assessments to inform recommendations to improve assessments.

Contact AHAA@nau.edu or (928) 523-5175

Info: Autism Support, Community, and Education (ASCEND)

Autism Support, Community, and Education in the Navajo Nation through the Diné Parents Taking Action (ASCEND) program.

This evidence-based parent education and training initiative, known as Parents Taking Action, is specifically designed by and for Diné families with children on the autism spectrum, in partnership with Tuba City Regional Health Care. Call (928) 523-5175, or email to ASCEND@nau.edu

Eligibility:

  • Diné parents and guardians of a child with autism.

  • The child is between 2-12 years old.

  • Diné parents and guardians who think their child may have autism are also welcome to participate.

Program Features:

  • Family Advisor Meetings: Regular meetings with a Family Advisor (another Diné family member who has a child with autism) in person at Tuba City Regional Health Care, another community location, or virtually via Zoom or another video conference platform. Internet hotspots are available upon request.

  • Educational Lessons: 12 comprehensive lessons about autism and parenting a child with autism, covering topics such as understanding the autism diagnosis and evidence-based approaches to managing behaviors.

  • Communication Support: Access to communication support tools (e.g., verbal communication, AAC devices) with instruction from a certified speech and language pathologist.

  • Evaluation Participation: Participation in three surveys about your use of developmental services and your child's functioning, each taking about 45 minutes.

  • Focus Groups/Interviews: Opportunities to provide feedback on the program through focus groups or interviews.

Time Commitment:

  • Total commitment for lessons and evaluation is between 15 to 23 hours.

  • Participants will receive $140 for their involvement.