Patient Resources
When you first find out your child has Autism it can be very overwhelming, Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine is here to offer support and provide answers and resources to all of your questions. Here is a list of our go to resources, please reach out to our Care Coordinators with any questions.
– Applied Behavioral Analyst (ABA): This is an Autism specific therapy that focuses on the science of learning and behavior. Here you can find a list of local ABA agencies and what you need to get started on the process.
– Have more questions on ABA? See attached pdf by Autism Speaks or visit their website at AutismSpeaks.org
– Autism Connections: Autism Connections is a go to resources for support groups, sensory-friendly events, training/education and school support. Check out their website at AutismConnectionsMA.org. Don’t forget to sign up for their monthly newsletter.
– Toilet Training Concerns: Autism Speaks has put together an introduction packet on toilet training for children with Autism.
– Dental Visits can be challenging for children with Autism. Autism Speaks has put together a Autism Speaks Dental Tool Kit that reviews helpful tips and tricks to have a successful dental visit. Our office has also put together a list of Dentists who have experience with working with children of all abilities.
– Down Syndrome Resource group of Western Mass: Provides resources for expecting parents and parents/guardians of children with Down Syndrome website.
– Exceptional Lives: Provides information and resources for children with Autism, Early Intervention Services, How to obtain government supplied benefits ( Social Security, Disability, Insurance), 504/IEPs, and Guardianship. ExceptionalLives.org
– Family Ties:
Parent to Parent Information & Match Request Form
– Courageous Parents Network: Courageous Parents Network is a non-profit organization and educational platform that orients, empowers and accompanies families and providers caring for children with serious illnesses. This platform displays videos of families with children who have serious illnesses and discusses important topics like heart transplant, tracheostomy, G-Tube insertion, palliative care, bereavement, and so much more.
– Department of Disability Services: The Department of Developmental Services provides support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to enhance opportunities to become fully engaged members of their community.
– DDS Eligibility Application birth-4 yrs
– DDS Eligibility Application 5yr-22
– Whole Children, Hadley MA: Whole Children provides recreational, social and enrichment programs for children and teens of all abilities, including those with special needs. We provide valuable resources for their families and facilitate inclusion with the larger community.
– Greater Massachusetts Special Needs Event: This website is created by a parent of a child who has Asperger’s, due to their never-ending quest for programs and services. This website features all local events and camps for children and families with Autism, ADHD, and Down Syndrome.
– Special Education Alliance of Longmeadow S.E.A.L Has created an Amazing List of adaptive sports for children with all levels of abilities.
Survival Centers and Family Resource Centers provide resources for multiple needs, including food, housing, utilities, and healthcare. Please note that all resource centers are open to everyone regardless of what town you live in, but some services like food pick up may be limited to the surrounding towns.
Amherst Survival Center
138 Sunderland Rd, Amherst, MA 01002
(413) 549-3968
AmherestSurvival.org
Community Survival Center Indian Orchard
240 Main St, Indian Orchard, MA 01151
(413) 543-3930
CommunitySurvivalCenter.org
Gandara Springfield Family Resource Center
18 Gaucher Street Springfield, MA 01109
(413) 733-7699
GandaraCenter.org
Northampton Survival Center
265 Prospect St. Northampton, MA
(413) 586-6564
NorthamptonSurvival.org
MA Food Resources
– SNAP-Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Do you need help buying groceries every month?
Could you be eligible?
Income is just one of the eligibility factors considered in your application. If you meet these income requirements, it does not mean you are definitely eligible for SNAP benefits, however it gives you a rough estimate.
Once you are approved, you’ll receive an EBT card (it works just like a debit card) so you can buy food at grocery stores, farmers markets, convenience stores, and anywhere you see “We Accept EBT” signs.
– HIP, the Healthy Incentives Program, is an innovative program that SNAP recipients can use to match their SNAP benefits dollar-for-dollar at farmers market, CSAs, and farm stands.
– Visit for more information about eligibility: SNAP Benefits Formerly Food Stamps
You can also reach out to the SNAP outreach team at (413) 992-6204 for additional information or assistance.
Food Banks
Providing food to neighbors in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties. These independent pantries, meal sites and shelters are at the forefront of emergency food assistance in our region. Food Bank WMA See below for details.
Hampden County Food Banks
Hampshire County Food Banks
Franklin County Food Banks
Berkshire County Food Banks
City of Springfield Food Banks
City of Holyoke Food Banks
Fuel assistance application centers are location based, please locate your town listed below, and contact the center for information on fuel assistance and how to apply.
– Valley Opportunity Council
300 High St Holyoke MA 01040
(413) 552-1548
Location: Agawam, Chicopee, E. Longmeadow, Feeding Hills, Hampden, Holyoke, Longmeadow, Ludlow, Monson, Palmer, Southwick, Three Rivers, W. Springfield, Westfield, Wilbraham
– New England Farm Workers Council
1666 Main St, Springfield MA 01103
Location: Springfield, Indian Orchard
For first time applicants please apply online at NEFWC
For repeat applicants call (413) 227-2209
– Community Action Pioneer Valley
377 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301
Location: Amherst, Belchertown, Cummington, Deerfield, Easthampton, Florence, Granby, Greenfield, Hadley, Hatfield, Leeds, Leverette, Northampton, South Deerfield, South Hadley, Southampton, Sunderland, Turners Fall, Ware, Westhampton, Whately, Williamsburg)
Community Action Pioneer Valley
– Springfield Water and Sewer Commission
(413) 452-1300
Email to apply for payment arrangements – email: collections@waterandsewer.org
If receiving fuel assistance and assessed owner of single family home- apply for one-time discount of $125 (proof required) by phone call.
Information you may need when applying for Fuel Assistance:
(Picture ID, Social Security Card, Dates of Birth, Income should be for EVERY person in the house)
– Picture ID
– Social Security Card
– Dates of Birth
– Heating Bill
– Utility Bill
– Housing Costs (rent, mortgage, water, sewer, etc.)
– Proof of Income
Other Fuel Assistance Programs:
– Good Neighbor Energy Fund: Provides a one-time grant to people who are in temporary financial crisis. 1-800-262-1320
– Catholic Charities DIOSpringfield.org 1-413-732-3175
– Call 211 – Mass211.org
– Wayfinders-rent and mortgage assistance – 413-233-1600 WayfFinders.org/Apply-Financial-Assistance
“Need-to-know” Information
– Heat Services can NOT be shut off for nonpayment during the months of November- March
– If anyone in the household is 12 months and under, utilities will not be terminated, however documentation of birth certificate and financial hardship form may be request by the company
– Elderly 65 years and older will not have utility services terminated unless the company gets permission from the Department of Public Utilities Fuel Assistance Application Centers
(please contact the location where your town is listed)
Emergency Shelter services please call 800-632-8188 and speak with a homeless coordinator There is no application form for emergency services online, you must call for assistance and visit the service center the coordinator directs you to, to apply. For more information on Emergency Housing Assistance and to contact for help see: Massachusetts Emergency Housing Assistance.
Way Finders
322 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01105
(413) 233-1500
(800) 332-9667
Fax: (413) 731-8723
ldalvarado@wayfindersma.org WayFindersMA.org
The Impact Center
41 Taylor St, Springfield, MA 01103
(open Mon/Wed 10-5, Tues/Thurs 10-6)
Contact: Emily English or Mark Watkins at Gandara center (413)654-1554
Post Partum Support International
Hotline Available 8AM-11PM
1-800-944-4773, #1 en Espanol, #2 for English
OR Text “HELP” to: English – 800-944-4773 Espanol – 971-203-7773
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
24/7 free, confidential support line for pregnant and new moms
833-TLC-MAMA (833-852-6262)
English and Spanish-speaking counselors available; interpreter services available for 60 other languages.
**********************PSI and NMMH do not provide crisis intervention.
If you are in crisis call or text the National Lifeline at 988 or
Your local Community Behavioral Health Center
CHD: 833-243-8255
Serving: Belchertown, Chicopee, Granby, Holyoke, Ludlow, Monson, Palmer, Southampton, South Hadley, Ware
BHN: 413-301-9355
Serving: Agawam, East Longmeadow, Hampden, Indian Orchard, Longmeadow, Southwick, Springfield, Westfield, W. Springfield, Wilbraham
MassHealth Free Diapers Form
– Parents Helping Parents Support Group
Parental Stress Line and Parent Support groups
(800) 632-8188(24 hours a day/7 days a week)
Email: info@ParentsHelpingParents.org
Website: ParentsHelpingParents.org
– MCPAP for Moms partners with William James College Interface Referral Service to develop and maintain community-based resources to support mothers and fathers experiencing mental health issues related to the challenges of becoming parents. Interface maintains a comprehensive listing of support groups by geographic area. It is important to call before planning to attend a support group as the dates and times of groups change frequently.
MCPAP for Moms
– Healthy Families is a home visiting program that supports young, first-time parents ages 20 and under and helps them create stable, nurturing environments for their children. The program provides support during pregnancy and the child’s first three years of life. Home visitors teach parents about baby care, nurturing and attachment, effective parenting skills, and ensure parents have a solid understanding of healthy child development
Safety is always a top priority!!!
- Secure your child in a child safety seat or booster seat until at least age 8 as required by law.
- Teens and adults should always wear seatbelts as well.
- Protect your child’s skin with sunscreen…over 30 SPF is recommended. Reapply if swimming or sweating. Remember every sunburn doubles your skin cancer risk.
- Protect against disease transmission from mosquitoes and tick bites by wearing protective clothing, remaining indoors during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, and using insect repellants with DEET (15 to 30%) or Picaridin 10 to 20% is safe to use over the age of 6 months.
- Wear helmets if biking, rollerblading, skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding etc. (reduces risk of traumatic brain injury). Set an example as a parent by wearing your helmet too!
- Water safety precautions: never swim alone, teach your children how to swim/take swimming lessons.
- Keep medications and home chemicals out of reach for children and keep the poison control number handy at home and on your cell phone (1-800-222-1222).
- Lead Poisoning Education and Prevention Link
– What is Healthcare Transition?
Health care transition, or HCT, is the process of moving from a child/family-centered model of health care to an adult/patient-centered model of health care, with or without transferring to a new clinician. It involves planning, transfer, and integration into adult-centered health care.
Got Transition aims to help youth and young adults move from pediatric to adult health care.
Transitioning out to an Adult Health Care Clinician -Six Core Elements of Healthcare Transition
The goals of health care transition are:
- To improve the ability of youth and young adults with and without special health care needs to manage their own health care and effectively use health services, and
- To ensure an organized process in pediatric and adult health care practices to facilitate transition preparation, transfer of care, and integration into adult-centered health care.
Why go to an urgent care clinic when your child’s pediatric office can see your child any day of the year?
OUR DOCTORS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE WILBRAHAM OFFICE ONLY, EVERY SATURDAY, SUNDAY TO CARE FOR YOUR SICK OR INJURED CHILD.
CLOSED ONLY MAJOR HOLIDAYS.
PLEASE CALL 413-599-1201 BETWEEN 8:30 AM AND 1 PM FOR A SAME DAY APPOINTMENT.
The Women, Infants & Children program (WIC) provides nutrition and health education, healthy food and other services free of charge to qualifying families. Apply online and for more information: WIC
– WIC or 1-800-WIC-1007 (1-800-942-1007)
– Local WIC offices:
- Berkshire County North: (413) 445-9429
- Berkshire County South: (413) 528-0457
- Franklin County/North Quabbin: (413) 376-1160
- Hampshire County: (413) 584-3591
- Holyoke/Chicopee: (413) 534-2460
- Springfield North: (413) 737-8868
- Springfield South: (413) 693-1029
A well visit is meant to cover a variety of topics to ensure that you are as healthy as possible. You can expect that we will have time to cover a handful of these topics at the well visit. If you have multiple concerns, we may request a separate visit to discuss these concerns in detail and address them properly.
Click here for resources to help support your child during immunizations
NEWBORN VISIT:
Vaccines: Hepatitis B (if not received in hospital)
1 MONTH VISIT:
No vaccines given
2 MONTH VISIT:
Vaccines: Vaxelis, Prevnar, Rotavirus
4 MONTH VISIT:
Vaccines: Vaxelis, Prevnar, Rotavirus
6 MONTH VISIT:
Vaccines: Vaxelis, Prevnar, Rotavirus, Influenza, Covid-19
Procedures: Fluoride Varnish
9 MONTH VISIT:
Vaccines: Hepatitis B (if not received in hospital)
Procedures: Fluoride Varnish
12 MONTH VISIT:
Vaccines: Hepatitis A, MMR, Varicella
Labs: Lead, Hemoglobin
Procedures: Vision Screening, Fluoride Varnish
15 MONTH VISIT:
Vaccines: Pentacel, Prevnar
Procedures: Fluoride Varnish
18 MONTH VISIT:
Vaccines: Hepatitis A
Procedures: Fluoride Varnish
2 YEAR VISIT:
Vaccines: Influenza, Covid-19
Labs: Lead, Hemoglobin
Procedures: Vision Screening, Fluoride Varnish
2.5 YEAR VISIT:
No vaccines given
Procedures: Fluoride Varnish
3 YEAR VISIT:
Vaccines: Influenza, Covid-19
Labs: Lead, Hemoglobin
Procedures: Vision Screening, Fluoride Varnish
4 YEAR VISIT:
Vaccines: MMRV, DTap-IPV, Influenza, Covid-19
Procedures: Vision Screening, Hearing Screening, Fluoride Varnish
5 YEAR VISIT:
Vaccines: Influenza, Covid-19
Procedures: Vision Screening, Hearing Screening, Fluoride Varnish
6 YEAR VISIT:
Vaccines: Influenza, Covid-19
Procedures: Vision Screening, Hearing Screening, Fluoride Varnish
7 YEAR VISIT:
Vaccines: Influenza, Covid-19
Procedures: Vision Screening, Fluoride Varnish
8 YEAR VISIT:
Vaccines: Influenza, Covid-19
Procedures: Vision Screening, Hearing Screening, Fluoride Varnish
9 YEAR VISIT:
Vaccines: HPV, Influenza, Covid-19
Labs: Cholesterol screening
Procedures: Vision Screening, Fluoride Varnish
10 YEAR VISIT:
Vaccines: Influenza, Covid-19
Procedures: Vision Screening, Hearing Screening, Fluoride Varnish
11 YEAR VISIT:
Vaccines: Tdap, Menveo, Influenza, Covid-19
Procedures: Fluoride Varnish
12 YEAR VISIT:
Vaccines: Influenza, Covid-19
Procedures: Vision Screening, Hearing Screening, Fluoride Varnish
13 YEAR VISIT:
Vaccines: Influenza, Covid-19
Procedures: Fluoride Varnish
14 YEAR VISIT:
Vaccines: Influenza, Covid-19
Procedures: Fluoride Varnish
15 YEAR VISIT:
Vaccines: Influenza, Covid-19
Procedures: Vision Screening, Hearing Screening, Fluoride Varnish
16 YEAR VISIT:
Vaccines: Menveo Booster, Influenza, Covid-19
Labs: Routine urinalysis
Procedures: Fluoride
17 YEAR VISIT:
Vaccines: Men B, Influenza, Covid-19
Labs: Routine urinalysis
Procedures: Vision Screening, Hearing Screening, Fluoride Varnish
18 YEAR VISIT:
Vaccines: Influenza, Covid-19
Labs: Routine urinalysis, Cholesterol screening
Procedures: Fluoride Varnish
19 YEAR VISIT:
Vaccines: Influenza, Covid-19
Labs: Routine urinalysis
Procedures: Fluoride Varnish
Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine Awarded MHQP 2022 Patient Experience Award
We are excited to announce that Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine has received an award from Massachusetts Health Quality Partners (MHQP) for being one of the top practices in Massachusetts for patient experience in primary care.
The “MHQP Patient Experience Awards” is an annual awards program introduced in 2018 by MHQP, a non-profit measurement and reporting organization that brings together providers, health plans, and patients to improve the quality of patient care experiences in Massachusetts. MHQP conducts the only statewide survey of patient experience in primary care in Massachusetts.
Awards were given to top overall performers in adult primary care and pediatrics in each of nine performance categories. Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine received recognition for the following award for pediatric care: Distinction in Patient-Provider Communications.
“It is not easy for a primary care practice to thrive in the current environment,” said Barbra Rabson, MHQP’s President and CEO. “We are thrilled to congratulate each of them on behalf of their patients for their exceptional commitment to excellence.”
“Primary care is the heart of healthcare in Massachusetts,” said Jim Roosevelt, MHQP’s Board Chair. “The practices from all across the state recognized with this award have distinguished themselves where it matters most – in the experiences of their own patients.”
Thank you to our amazing providers and staff at Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine for providing outstanding patient care!