Developmental Screening & Referrals

Mission & Vision: The Somali Health Boards Developmental Screening and Referrals Program strives to address the high rates of untreated, or undiagnosed developmental concerns for Somalis in King County, resulting from barriers to accessing resources and care. This program is set in place to address the needs of the community with services that are evidence-informed, specifically tailored, and accessible to the Somali community. The goal is to destigmatize, create a safer space for individuals on the spectrum and their families to have dialogs on pressing concerns, and conduct referrals.

About The Program

Somali Health Board’s Developmental Screenings and Referral program is available to the estimated 8,000 Somali residents in King County.

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Services we provide

Community Events: These events build connections that contribute to inclusion and offer networking opportunities for professionals and families in the community by engaging in panel discussions and Q&A, hearing parent testimonies, providing resources, and celebrating individuals with developmental delays and their families leading to greater community support.

Provider Workshops: We provide trainings for childcare providers, medical providers, and other care providers that work with children in the Somali community to gain knowledge and increase cultural competency to provide holistic care.

Referrals: This service allows you to work with a family resource navigator that will provide resources to families for unique resource needs such as evaluations and treatment centers, parent support, early intervention services, navigating the school system, accessing ABA therapy, and other behavior support.

Community workshops: We offer training that is culturally and linguistically relevant to educate and raise greater community awareness of ASD and other developmental delays.

Parent Ambassadors: We have three Parent Ambassadors who act as peer partners to Somali families in advocating and promoting awareness.

Monthly Support Groups: Our family resource navigator leads parent support groups for Somali Mothers that cover topics like, emotional wellbeing, how to navigate the system, access to resources, understanding & using positive behavior support at home, IEPs, and remote learning.

Referral

Are you a provider, or working with a healthcare agency or managed care organization?

Click here to make a referral

Join The Program

Call our office and speak to an SHB representative. Calling our office will help us connect you to
the appropriate point person. Our office hours are Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. Call (253) – 277– 7563 for assistance.

Determining Eligibility. When connected to a point person, your eligibility for the appropriate program will be assessed. You will also discuss the next steps and have general questions or any questions about treatment. If you need an interpreter, or any accommodation before meeting with a point person please let us know.

Make an appointment. Over the phone with a case manager, you will be able to schedule ongoing sessions.

Contact Us

Resources