North East Georgia Autism Resources

About Us - North East Georgia Autism Resources

About Us

Coffey Family

Welcome to North East Georgia Autism Resources. We created this website as a directory of local service providers and a support forum for parents of children with autism. Our journey began when we noticed early signs of speech delay in our daughter—at a time when other children were forming sentences, she had not even begun to babble. Unfortunately, our pediatrician at the time was less than helpful, which led us to take matters into our own hands.

Through extensive research, we discovered the Babies Can't Wait program, which provided in-home speech and occupational therapy. From there, we found a more supportive pediatrician and sought guidance from the Emory Autism Center, where our daughter was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder before her third birthday. We believe that this early diagnosis was crucial because early intervention is so important for children on the spectrum.

We also enlisted the help of an advocate who guided us through applying for the Katie Beckett waiver, enabling Medicaid to cover the costs of her therapies.

Our daughter has attended an inclusive preschool that enrolls both special needs and neurotypical children, received ABA therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy at both centers and at home. She has participated in local camps for children with autism and speech needs, and she is currently enrolled in special education at her public school.

We're thrilled to share that just before her 6th birthday, our daughter began speaking, and now, at 8 and a half, she is a joyful and thriving child who seems to talk non-stop. Her progress is a testament to the wonderful team of professionals who have supported her throughout the years, and it reminds us that it truly does take a village.

Our goal is to make it easier for other parents to find the resources their children need to thrive. We hope this directory can be a valuable tool for families navigating the challenges of autism and seeking the support that can make all the difference.