USA Regional Autism Network welcomes new autism family navigator

A desire to help other families led Cherish Fletcher to work with those seeking services related to autism spectrum disorders. She now serves as a family navigator with the University of South Alabama Regional Autism Network, with offices inside the Strada Patient Care Center.

Her role includes providing community members with general information, guiding callers to available resources and offering opportunities for training and consultation to parents and professionals.

Her oldest child of three, daughter Jamison, was diagnosed with autism at age 3.

“I feel like we have experienced all the emotions with the diagnosis,” Fletcher said. “Grief, fear, anger frustration, defeat and joy. As we have grown through this as a family, I feel led to help other families.”

Fletcher has spent 15 years navigating the waters of her daughter’s journey. Family members and caregivers of patients, and others in need of help, can contact her through email at ccfletcher@health.southalabama.edu or by phone at 251-644-4946.

“Most of my calls are from parents looking for community resources to socially engage their child,” she said. “Sometimes the parents or caregivers just need a listening ear. There has to be purpose in the struggle, and it is to help other families.”

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts 1 in 44 children in the United States, as many as 5 million total, notes the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). It is characterized by social and communication impairment and restricted or repetitive behaviors.

Today, it is recommended that most children be screened for autism at 18 and 24 months of age by a pediatrician or healthcare provider, with ongoing developmental surveillance recommended in the primary care setting.

The University of South Alabama Regional Autism Network was established under the direction of the Alabama Interagency Autism Coordinating Council. The University of South Alabama, Auburn University, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the University of Alabama at Huntsville, and the University of Alabama are charged with supplying resources and training for state residents of any age who have autism spectrum disorder.

The USA Regional Autism Network serves residents in Baldwin, Clarke, Conecuh, Dallas, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe, Perry, Washington and Wilcox counties who have questions, concerns or resource needs for themselves, a family member, friend, client, patient or student with diagnosed or suspected autism spectrum disorder.

For more information, visit the USA Regional Autism Network. Contact the network at 251-410-4533 or by email at USARAN@health.southalabama.edu.