Clinic that helps kids with autism who injure themselves seeks cash to expand

A specialized clinic for children with autism who injure themselves is looking for money to expand its services.

Such children face long delays for diagnosis at a once-a-month clinic that relies on private donations, says the chief medical officer of the Pacific Autism Family Network. The goal of a new fundraising effort is to offer the special clinic weekly.

“We are trying to raise the profile of this clinic, because it’s so desperately needed,” Dr. Suzanne Lewis said.

“It’s absolutely essential for those attending, there is a desperate need, almost a medical emergency, trying to meet the needs of children of autism,” she said before a fundraising event on Friday to raise money for the autism network.

The autism network is a charity designed to pull together state-of-the-art research,  assessment and treatment for those with autism, along with high-level support for them and their families.