Autism F.I.R.S.T. US Archives | Autism FIRST
Now Accepting New Clients for In-Clinic and At-Home Autism Services Across Virginia. Immediate openings available. Get Started Today!

Tag: Autism F.I.R.S.T. US

The Future of Behavioral Health in Virginia Pt. 3

Posted on by marketing

From Local Impact to Statewide Reach

With 9 clinics now operating across Virginia — from Herndon and Chantilly to Roanoke and Richmond — our footprint reflects a powerful promise: every family deserves access to compassionate, evidence-based care, regardless of their zip code.

And it doesn’t stop at physical locations. Through our statewide at-home services, families in rural and underserved communities can now receive support that once felt out of reach.

Whether you walk through our doors or invite us into your home, our care meets you where you are — literally and emotionally.

A Unified Team of Experts

Behind this unification is a growing, integrated team of professionals including:

  • Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs)
  • Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs)
  • Licensed Therapists
  • Care Coordinators and Intake Specialists 

By fostering internal collaboration across sites and disciplines, we ensure families receive wraparound care — not siloed services.

Innovation with Purpose

This expanded network allows us to:

  • Standardize training and best practices statewide
  • Accelerate professional development and hiring policies
  • Invest in new technologies to streamline care and communication
  • Reduce overall healthcare costs through preventative, timely intervention

The result is a more efficient, effective, and equitable system — one that benefits families, communities, and the broader healthcare ecosystem.

“Care That Grows With You”

At the heart of this transformation is a simple but powerful belief:

Growth isn’t just for children. It’s for families. For providers. For communities.

Our work doesn’t end at enrollment. We’re committed to walking alongside families — from early diagnosis to school transitions, adolescence to adulthood. This is care that adapts, evolves, and grows with every stage of the journey.

Looking Ahead

As we close this three-part series, we invite our families and partners to join us in shaping the future of behavioral health in Virginia. Together, we are building a legacy of care — one that’s defined not by boundaries, but by belonging.

The Future of Behavioral Health in Virginia Pt. 2

Posted on by marketing

Why Speed Matters in Behavioral Health

When a parent is told their child may benefit from ABA therapy, every week without help can feel overwhelming. Delays increase family stress, stall developmental progress, and deepen disparities — especially in underserved areas.

Our response? A reimagined intake and access process that puts families first.

What We’ve Changed — And Why It Works

Thanks to our expanded network of 9 clinics across Virginia and the addition of statewide in-home services, here’s how we’re making care more immediate:

Streamlined Intake Process
Our team responds to new inquiries quickly, ensuring families feel seen, supported, and guided through the next steps — from insurance verification to program placement.

Flexible Service Delivery
Whether families prefer in-clinic or in-home therapy, our merged teams offer options that match family needs, schedules, and comfort levels.

Cross-Clinic Coordination
With multiple locations and shared systems, we can shift staffing and resources to open up availability — removing regional bottlenecks.

Entry Into Outpatient Services
For adolescents and adults, our new outpatient offerings open doors to consistent behavioral and mental health care — faster.

From Call to Care: What Families Can Expect

When a family reaches out today, they’re met with:

  • Prompt response from intake coordinators
  • Clear explanation of programs and eligibility
  • Assistance with insurance and paperwork
  • Fast-tracked evaluations and placements

Whether a family is in Herndon or Roanoke, our mission is the same: we’re ready when you are.

What It Means for the Future

Our system isn’t just growing — it’s getting smarter and more responsive. With data-driven planning and statewide collaboration, we’re proving that fast care can also be high-quality care.

And when families get the support they need, when they need it most, everything changes:

Communication improves.
Skills grow.
Confidence returns.

That’s what “Care That Grows With You” truly means.

Coming Next: Building a Statewide Commitment

In the final post of the series, we’ll explore how this unified team of professionals is building a sustainable, future-ready model for behavioral health in Virginia — one grounded in clinical excellence, equity, and growth.

Stay tuned for Part 3: A Statewide Commitment to Care.

The Future of Behavioral Health in Virginia

Posted on by marketing

A Unified Vision for Statewide Access

Together, Autism F.I.R.S.T. and Family Insight now offer services through 9 clinics across Virginia, including expanded statewide at-home support and an exciting entrance into outpatient care.

This unification isn’t just about growth. It’s about meeting families where they are — physically, emotionally, and developmentally. By combining our systems, clinicians, and care teams, we’re building a stronger, more coordinated network that supports the whole child and the whole family.

What Families Can Expect

This collaboration brings:

  • More Locations – A total of 9 clinics statewide
  • Faster Access – Services without long waitlists
  • Expanded Services – ABA Therapy, in-clinic support, outpatient support, at-home care
  • Consistency Across Regions – A shared standard of high-quality care
  • Family-Centered Values – With every clinic rooted in trust, support, and collaboration

Behind the Scenes: Why This Unification Matters

By aligning our infrastructure and resources, Whitecap Care is creating an integrated system that does more than offer services — it ensures those services are accessible, affordable, and sustainable.

The unification opens the door to:

  • Shared expertise and cross-clinical collaboration
  • More efficient operations and reduced healthcare costs
  • Scalable solutions to better serve underserved communities

Whether a family lives in Northern Virginia or Newport News, the promise remains the same: personalized, connected care every step of the way.

A Message from Our Leadership

“This merger is more than a business decision. It’s a commitment to the thousands of families who trust us with their child’s care. We’re building something that’s both responsive and revolutionary for Virginia’s behavioral health system.”

— Jeff Shiring, Founder and Chairman of Autism F.I.R.S.T. & Whitecap Care

What Comes Next

This is only the beginning. In the next post in our series, we’ll share how this expanded network is breaking down barriers to care and delivering support without delay — including how families across the state are already benefitting from our streamlined intake process.

Stay tuned for Part 2: From Waitlists to Welcome