Soar Autism Center announced early results from its developmental pediatrics program, providing specialized medical consultations to 600 children across centers in Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, and Pennsylvania since its launch in the fall of 2025, Morningstar reported.
In Plain English: The Clinical Takeaway
- Integrated Care Model: Soar embeds developmental pediatric providers directly alongside Board Certified Behavior Analysts, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists.
- High Co-Occurrence: Up to 95 percent of children diagnosed with autism experience at least one co-occurring condition, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
- Genetic Evaluations: The clinical team has submitted over 265 genetic test orders based on clinical assessment and family consent to help bridge diagnostic gaps.
Workforce Shortages and Long Wait Times in Developmental Pediatrics
Access to developmental pediatrics is restricted by a severe workforce shortage rather than a lack of patient need. A national study of developmental pediatrics programs affiliated with U.S. children’s hospitals demonstrated average estimated wait times of 5.4 months for initial evaluations, with specialists heavily concentrated in urban areas.
To bypass these structural barriers, Soar places medical clinicians directly inside its therapy facilities. The program provides care coordination, medication management, laboratory evaluation, and external referrals when appropriate. These services complement rather than replace a child’s primary care clinician and outside specialists.
Addressing Co-Occurring ADHD in Autistic Children
During ADHD Awareness Month, the organization highlighted attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder as a primary example of why integrated medical and therapy teams are necessary. A national population-based study estimated that 43.8 percent of U.S. children with autism also present with ADHD. Treating ADHD in an autistic child involves distinct clinical complexities because attention, sensory regulation, and communication interact differently for every patient.
| Clinical Metric | Soar Program Data | National Benchmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Genetic Test Orders | 265+ orders submitted with consent | 5.4-month average wait nationally |
| Co-Occurring Conditions | Addressed via integrated multi-disciplinary teams | Up to 95% of autistic children affected |
Navigating Genetic Testing and Specialized Evaluations
Beyond expanding access to developmental pediatrics, the center assists enrolled families with recommended genetic evaluations. While the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends offering genetic evaluations to families of children with autism, insurance authorization, test selection, and clinical interpretation often make the process difficult to obtain. The vast majority of newly enrolled families offered the service have chosen to schedule a consultation.
Operating across Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, and Pennsylvania—including CHOP-Soar Autism Centers established in partnership with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia—the organization provides comprehensive early care for children up to age six. Families and referring providers can access further information regarding developmental pediatrics services and early autism therapy programs directly through the Soar Autism Center website.
Contraindications & When to Consult a Doctor
Integrated developmental pediatric consultations and genetic testing protocols complement standard pediatric care but should not be viewed as a substitute for emergency medical intervention or acute primary care management. Families should immediately consult their primary pediatrician or seek urgent medical evaluation if a child exhibits sudden behavioral regressions, severe neurological symptoms, self-injurious behaviors, or adverse reactions to prescribed medications.
References
- Soar Autism Center: ADHD vs Autism in Toddlers.
