Distant Light Ministry

Resources

All Resources listed have been used by our family or have come highly recommended to our family. Please note these resources are local to the Culpeper, VA area. If you need help finding resources local to you, please schedule a call with us. I cannot guarantee positive experiences with any providers or resource listed. Please note providers may have wait lists so it’s best to call as soon as you think you may need to be seen by them. Please reach out to us if you have resources that you think should be listed or if you have questions regarding our experiences.

Initial Autism Diagnosis

If you have already discussed with your child’s pediatrician a possible Autism Diagnosis and need to continue down the path to a formal diagnosis, here are some resources to get you started. All resources for medical providers will likely need a referral from your primary pediatrician so be sure to have them ready when reaching out to new providers.

  •  Sheila C. Johnson Center – PH: (434) 924-7034 – 405 Emmet Street S, Charlottesville, VA 22903 (Formal Diagnosis and Full Psychological Assessment)

What to do while waiting for a formal diagnosis

  • If your child is under the age of three, reach out to Infant Toddler Connection – PH: (540) 829-7346 – 15535 Guinn Ln, Culpeper, VA 22701 – They will be able to provide speech, physical, and occupational therapies while you wait for a formal diagnosis with a referral from your pediatrician.
  • If your child is between the ages of 3 and 5, reach out to Pat Settle, psettle@culpeperschools.org, with Culpeper County Schools Special Education Department. Request a child find study. Your child may qualify for pre-school services with supports such as speech, physical, and occupational therapy.
  • If you child is above the age for Kindergarten, they still may qualify for special education services even without a formal diagnosis.

After the Diagnosis

Be sure to save all paperwork in a binder and electronic versions. This will be helpful to you as you continue to run your marathon race. There will be checkpoints where paperwork is required. I can’t stress enough having electronic copies to email quickly. For more information on the steps below, contact us directly.

Local Therapy Providers

In most cases, ABA therapy in recommended for an Autism Diagnosis. Most will encourage 40 hours a week, this is optional and I personally do not recommend starting with 40 hours a week. Remember, we want to pace ourselves throughout this race and an overwhelmed kiddo and mama is not helpful to anyone. Occupational therapy can be very helpful for kiddos with sensory processing disorder. Speech therapy is another commonly recommended therapy as well as physical therapy. If you have questions regarding this process, please schedule a call with us to discuss.

Special Education Resources

Local Resources

Herbal Remedy Resources

Adaptive Clothing

  • Preventawear – Non-strip, antimicrobial, quick drying clothing with locking buckle fasteners for kids and adults
  • Little Keeper Sleeper – Children’s Escape Proof Zippered Sleepers
  • Grovia – Cloth Diapers, The B.I.G One is for children typically out of standard diaper sizes
  • Billy Shoes – Adaptive Shoes for AFO’s and SMO’s