Services · Birth to 21
Special Needs and Autism Care
Dare2Care Pediatrics is a medical home for children with autism spectrum disorder, developmental disabilities and other special health care needs in Georgia: early screening, diagnosis coordination, ongoing primary care, and one team that works with your therapists, specialists and school.
About special needs and autism care
Children with autism, developmental delays, genetic conditions, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome or complex medical needs deserve a pediatrician who knows them well and a practice built to coordinate their care. As an NCQA-recognized Patient-Centered Medical Home led by a pediatrician with additional developmental and behavioral health training, that is what we do every day for families from Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Cumming, Milton and across North Georgia.
What we provide
- Autism screening at 18 and 24 months (M-CHAT) and at any age when you or a teacher have concerns
- Referral and coordination for a full diagnostic evaluation, then ongoing care after the diagnosis
- ADHD, anxiety and behavior support that takes sensory and communication needs into account
- Care coordination: one plan shared with speech, occupational and behavioral (ABA) therapists, specialists and the school
- Letters and forms for IEPs, 504 plans, Babies Can’t Wait, Katie Beckett (TEFRA) and the Georgia Medicaid waivers
- Medication management with careful monitoring
- Longer, calmer visits and a predictable routine; tell us what helps your child feel safe
- Transition planning to adult care from age 18 to 21
Why a medical home matters for special needs
Families often juggle five or more providers. In a medical home the pediatrician keeps the whole picture: growth, nutrition, sleep, seizures, medications, therapy goals and school supports, so nothing falls through the cracks and you have one number to call first.
Getting started
- Call or text to book a longer first visit; bring prior evaluations, IEPs and medication lists
- We review everything, examine your child and agree on a shared care plan
- Regular follow-ups (usually every 3 to 6 months) plus same-day access when something changes
When to come in
- Your toddler is not pointing, responding to their name or using words the way peers do
- A daycare or school raises concerns about development, attention or behavior
- Your child has a diagnosis and you want one practice to coordinate the care
- Therapies, school supports and medications feel disconnected
- You are moving to the Alpharetta area and need a pediatrician experienced with special needs
What to expect at the visit
First visits are scheduled longer. We can offer the first or last appointment of the day for children who do better with a quiet office. Bring reports from any specialists, therapists and the school, and tell us what helps your child feel comfortable.
Insurance and cost
Visits are billed as primary care. Check the insurance list on our contact page or ask the front desk about your plan, waiver programs and referral requirements.
Need help outside office hours?
When the office is closed, call the main number and follow the prompts to reach the on-call provider for urgent concerns. Use the patient portal for anything that can wait until the next business day. In an emergency, call 911.
Questions parents ask
Do you diagnose autism?
We screen and, when a full evaluation is needed, coordinate it with developmental pediatrics, psychology or the school district. The wait for a formal evaluation in Georgia can be long, so we start supports and referrals right away rather than waiting for the label.
Do you see children with feeding tubes, seizures or complex medical needs?
Yes. We provide primary care and coordinate with the specialists who manage the condition, and we help with forms, supplies and prior authorizations.
Do families come from outside Alpharetta?
Many do, from Johns Creek, Cumming, Milton, Roswell, Suwanee, Duluth and further across Georgia. Telehealth follow-ups reduce the driving between in-person visits.
Provided by
Dr. Madhuri ViswanadhamMD, FAAP · Board-certified pediatrician · Founder