CARES stands for commitment to autism research, education and service. This year, nominations were accepted for an individual who showed dedication and commitment to autism research, autism education or autism service.
Dr. Swingle has worked closely with the ASA, serving on the board of directors for the ASA from 2009 to 2014 and currently serving on the board of advisors. The USA Autism Diagnostic Clinic works closely with the ASA in identifying services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the community and in advocating for individuals with ASD at the state level.
Dr. Swingle established the Autism Diagnostic Clinic at USA in 2007. The clinic, located in the Strada Patient Care Center, provides multidisciplinary evaluations including medical, cognitive, speech and language examinations by physicians who are developmental-behavioral pediatricians.
Last year, USA was chosen to join the Regional Autism Network by the Alabama Legislature. Dr. Swingle feels honored that USA is being recognized for the caliber of work and research in ASD faculty and staff currently engage in. “The CARES Award is further evidence that USA is respected across the state for the services and advocacy we do,” he said.
Dr. Swingle encourages medical students who are interested to get involved with the ASA. “There is an enormous need for more specialists in developmental-behavioral pediatrics, child psychiatry and neurology, all of whom see individuals on the autism spectrum,” he said.
More information about the ASA can be found here.
