Our clinical approach
We look at the full picture: strengths, needs, and what you are working toward. Then we build a plan around it, and measure whether daily life actually gets easier.
Blue Cross Blue Shield in NJ, PA, SC. Soon to be in MA, NC, TX, IL, MT, TN.
COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATIONS
An evaluation that sees the full picture
A high-quality autism evaluation isn’t a single test. It’s the synthesis of several components, done well.
1
Interview
- Your child’s developmental history
- Conversation about your concerns and what you’ve noticed
- Your family’s priorities, past evaluations, and current support needs
2
Observation
- How your child communicates, interacts, plays, and moves through daily routines
- Observation may happen throughout the evaluation for teens and adults
- Structured observation when it’s helpful and appropriate
3
Rating Scales
- Selected based on your child and the questions you want answered
- Measures may look at autism, daily living skills, emotions, attention, or executive functioning
- Examples: ASRS, SRS-2, Vineland, BASC, Conners
4
Integration
- A clear picture of your child’s strengths, needs, and diagnosis
- Consideration of autism and other conditions that may be affecting your child
- How these needs affect everyday life and what support may help
5
Feedback + Next Steps
- A clear, plain-language review of what we learned
- A personalized FIT™ roadmap
- Help navigating care, finding providers, and understanding recommendations
of families stay engaged in their clinical program, month after month.
THERAPEUTIC PROGRAMS
A plan built around who your child is and what they need next
This isn’t endless therapy. It’s care designed to move your family forward.
Avela Health’s FIT™ program was developed by our co-founder Dr. Cynthia Anderson, drawing on decades of clinical research and practice in the field.
Here is what one FIT™ program looks like.
AGE: 8
DIAGNOSIS: Autism and ADHD
SESSIONS: Embedded in natural routines like play time, bedtime, family time and breakfast.
Asynchronous chat between therapist and parents
Assessment & data collection
IEP plan prep & meetings with principal, 4 teachers and school BCBA
1:1 Video therapy sessions
Weekly “Parent Empowerment Series” group for parents
Weekly “Emotion Explorers” group for client
Meeting with school psychologist
Specialty consults with a PhD feeding specialist and speech therapist
of families show improvement on the CGI scale within six months.
METHODOLOGIES
Structured frameworks guide our intervention
Our approach brings together autism-specific care and mental health support, tailored to each individual.
Dr. Cynthia Anderson, PhD, BCBA-D
CO-FOUNDER & CHIEF CLINICAL OFFICER
NDBI
Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions
Builds communication, play, learning, and everyday skills through your child’s natural routines and interests.
ABA
Focused Applied Behavior Analysis
Teaches the specific skills that matter most right now, with clear goals and a defined endpoint rather than open-ended hours.
CBT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Builds emotional flexibility, coping, self-understanding, and skills for navigating difficult thoughts and feelings.
Group Therapy
Combines goal-focused, evidence-based groups with peer support, because progress is easier when you’re not doing it alone.
Care is only as good as the team delivering it
Our tailored and evidence-based care requires independent clinical judgement and not just protocol implementation.
100%
Master’s and doctoral-level licensed professionals
17 years
average experience working with autistic individuals
9 out of 10
parents would recommend Avela Health to another family
Recommended by pediatricians,
loved by families.
"
We've always known our son was neurodivergent but couldn't get a proper diagnosis from local health care professionals so we reached out to Avela Health. We’re more hopeful about our son’s future. We have actually gained useful tools to assist him and us as parents.
Cassie
Parent · New Jersey
"
Avela Health provided actual useful information, patience, and guidance. We appreciated the time, dedication, and detail that went into the evaluation. I would recommend them to anyone.
Emily
Parent · Pennsylvania
"
The people at Avela Health have taken a vested interest in the wellbeing of my child. Not only did I receive an accurate diagnosis quickly, staff have come to school meetings and emailed school representatives on my behalf.
Alina S.
Parent · New Jersey
"
We were scheduled for an appointment within two weeks. Evaluation was done within a month with my documentation in hand. Best experience. Dr Pepe is the best.
Maya T.
Parent · New Jersey
"
Everyone at Avela has treated my child as if she were their own. I was able to get my daughter into therapy, the correct therapy to begin her adjustment to life.
Lena P.
Parent · South Carolina
