Autism & Developmental Navigation Support

Provided by The ATA Lopez Foundation

Free • Family-Centered • Non-Clinical

When you’re concerned about your child’s development, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. The ATA Lopez Foundation provides free navigation, education, and advocacy support for families who suspect autism or other developmental differences.

Our role is to help families understand systems, prepare for next steps, and access appropriate resources — with compassion and clarity.

What This Service Provides

Parent-Centered Guidance & Concern Mapping

We work with parents to:

Talk through developmental concerns and observations
Organize questions and priorities
Understand common developmental pathways and supports
Feel prepared and confident before appointments

All information is based on parent report and shared for educational purposes only.

Appointment & Evaluation Preparation

Families receive support preparing for:

Pediatrician conversations
Developmental and autism evaluations
Early Intervention referrals
School evaluations (IEP / 504)

We help families understand what to expect, how to request evaluations, and how to communicate concerns clearly.

Systems Navigation & Advocacy Education

We provide guidance on:

Early Intervention (Birth–3)
Child Find and school-based evaluations
IEP and 504 processes
General information about therapy types and supports
State and community disability resources

Our role is to explain processes and options so families can make informed decisions with licensed professionals.

Resource & Community Connections

Families receive curated, parent-friendly resources, including:

Trusted educational materials
Local and state-specific supports
Advocacy tools and sample request letters
Inclusive community programs and events

Optional 1:1 Parent Support Call

Families may request a follow-up call for:

Clarifying next steps
Advocacy guidance
Emotional support and reassurance
Continued navigation assistance

What This Service Does Not Provide

To ensure clarity and protect families:

We do not provide diagnosis or screening
We do not conduct medical or psychological evaluations
We do not offer therapy or treatment

More about our Autism supports

Important Disclaimer

The ATA Lopez Foundation provides non-clinical education, navigation, and family support. Services are informational only and do not constitute medical, psychological, or diagnostic advice. Families are encouraged to seek evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment through licensed healthcare and educational professionals.

Participation does not establish a provider-patient relationship.

Our Commitment to Families

You deserve support, understanding, and guidance — without pressure or confusion. If you’re navigating concerns about your child’s development and need help understanding next steps, we’re here to walk alongside you.

Contact us to begin your navigation journey.

Transparency Notice

Some families may choose to pursue additional, fee-based advocacy or coaching services through our separately operated LLC. Participation in Foundation services does not require or imply use of any paid services. All services are optional and remain fully separate.

Confidentiality Statement

All information shared with The ATA Lopez Foundation is kept strictly confidential.