Lowell CHC Launches Autism Evaluation Clinic to Reduce Wait Times and Support Early Childhood Development

Lowell Community Health Center (Lowell CHC) is proud to announce the launch of its new Autism Evaluation Clinic, designed to help families receive faster answers and critical support during the earliest and most important years of their children’s development. The clinic is open to current Lowell CHC patients, and to new patients who start getting their child’s regular care at Lowell CHC before the autism evaluation begins.

The clinic will serve children between 18 months and 3 years old, a key window for identifying Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and beginning early therapies that can significantly improve long-term outcomes. Currently, families are often referred to specialized developmental clinics in the region, where wait times for evaluations can be as long as one to two years. According to the National Institutes of Health, the average delay between the first signs of autism and diagnosis is 2.2 years, a gap that can limit access to services proven to help.

“Delays in diagnosis can make an already difficult time even harder for families,” said Natalie Bowen, MD, Chief of Pediatrics at Lowell CHC. “We created this clinic to make sure families aren’t waiting years for answers. Early diagnosis opens the door to services that can make a meaningful difference. Our goal is to help families access care quickly and begin supportive therapies during the most formative years of their child’s life.”

Toys that teach. Cropped shot of a baby boy playing with wooden building blocks on the floor

Pediatric and Family Medicine providers at Lowell CHC will work with Early Intervention specialists to find children who may show signs of autism. If there are concerns, the child will be scheduled for a full evaluation. This includes three visits and uses trusted tools to help with the diagnosis.

The clinic will initially operate two Thursday afternoon sessions per month, with plans to expand based on need. Dedicated staff members will help coordinate care, support families through the process, and ensure follow-through with recommendations and referrals.

Parents and caregivers should talk to their child’s Lowell CHC Primary Care Provider if they have any concerns about their child’s development. Early signs of autism could include:

  • Delays in speech
  • Poor eye contact
  • Not responding to their name (despite normal hearing)
  • Repetitive behaviors like hand flapping
  • Use of scripted or repetitive language

For more information or to begin the evaluation process, existing patients—or new patients looking to establish care—should call our main number at 978-937-9700 or speak with their child’s Lowell CHC provider.

November 21, 2024

Stay Healthy This Winter with Our Tips and Services

With winter approaching, we want to help you stay healthy. Here are tips and resources to keep you and your family well.

Common Winter Illnesses

Common winter illnesses include flu, RSV, COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses. Protect yourself by staying up to date with vaccinations and practicing good hygiene.

How to Stay Healthy

  • Get Vaccinated:
    • Vaccine Clinic on November 23 from 9-1: Join our walk-in flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinic. No appointment needed. Details are on our website.
    • RSV Vaccine: Ask your Provider if you’re eligible.
    • Contact Your Care Team via MyChart: Ask about vaccines or other questions.
  • Visit Our Walk-In Center:
    • If you’re feeling unwell, come to our Walk-In Center.
    • Practice Good Hygiene:
    • Wash your hands often.
    • Avoid touching your face.
    • Cover coughs and sneezes.
    • Stay home if sick.
  • Keep Your Immune System Strong:
    • Eat healthy foods.
    • Stay active.
    • Get enough sleep.

Why Vaccines Matter

Vaccines protect you and others from illness. They are safe and essential for staying healthy.

We’re Here to Help

If you have questions or need more information:

  • Use the MyChart App: Message your Care Team.
  • Call Us: 978.937.9700.
September 26, 2023

Dr. Alison Curcio Appointed as Chief of Patient Walk-In Center at Lowell Community Health Center

Lowell Community Health Center is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Alison Curcio as the new Chief of the Patient Walk-In Center. Dr. Curcio brings with her 18 years of frontline emergency medicine experience and specialized training in Simulation Medicine aimed at enhancing patient safety and care quality. She has also previously contributed to the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, developing protocols for optimized medication use in Emergency Departments.

Dr. Curcio received her undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, completed her medical education at Emory University School of Medicine, and subsequently pursued a residency in Emergency Medicine through the Harvard program at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.

Susan West Levine, CEO of Lowell Community Health Center, praised the appointment, stating, “We are exceptionally fortunate to have Dr. Curcio join our team. With her years of frontline emergency medicine experience and specialized training in Simulation Medicine, she brings significant expertise to our health center. Dr. Curcio will be instrumental in developing a service model that better guides patients to the most appropriate care settings, thereby reducing unnecessary emergency room visits. Her leadership will be key to expanding our Walk-In Center’s services to better meet the healthcare needs of our community.”

Dr. Alison Curcio expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I am excited to work with such an incredible team at the Patient Walk-In Center, and at the health center, and to be able to continue and expand upon the tremendous services provided by the walk-in center.”

Dr. Kumble Rajesh, Chief Medical Officer of Lowell Community Health Center, highlighted the significance of her expertise, noting, “Dr. Curcio’s vast experience in emergency medicine will be invaluable in optimizing and expanding our services at the Patient Walk-In Center and to the patients we serve.”

About the Patient Walk-In Center

The Patient Walk-In Center offers a range of Immediate Care walk-in services for Lowell Community Health Center patients. Services include, but are not limited to, sick visits, joint injuries, stitches, assistance with sprains and back pain, treatment of skin infections such as poison ivy, non-severe allergy management, ear lavage, and on-the-spot testing for conditions like COVID-19, pregnancy, urinary infections, vaginal infections, sore throats, and flu.

Click Here – To learn about the Patient Walk-In Center and its hours.

August 23, 2021

FDA grants full approval to Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine

“The US Food and Drug Administration on Monday granted full approval to the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine for people age 16 and older. This is the first coronavirus vaccine approved by the FDA, and is expected to open the door to more vaccine mandates.”

Read more from CNN
April 13, 2021

Lowell CHC Pauses J&J Vaccine; Moderna Vaccines Not Affected

In accordance with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Lowell Community Health Center is pausing use of the Johnson & Johnson single-dose COVID-19 vaccine. We are administering the Moderna vaccine, which is not affected by the recent safety review, so if you are scheduled for a vaccine at Lowell CHC, it is important that you keep your appointment. We are not canceling appointments. You can help #stopthespread of COVID-19 by getting vaccinated.

The FDA has reported that, as of 4/12/21, 6.8 million+ doses (181,034 in Massachusetts) of the J&J vaccine have been administered. The CDC and FDA are reviewing data involving six reported U.S. cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot in individuals receiving the vaccine. Per the CDC and FDA: People who have received the J&J vaccine who develop a severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider. 

 

Learn more
April 9, 2021

Lowell CHC Offers New Online Vaccine Booking

Lowell Community Health Center is offering an easier online system for booking COVID-19 vaccine appointments. When patients are eligible for the vaccine and an appointment is available, they will receive a secure text with a link to register for the vaccine. Patients may still call 978-547-1686 to book an appointment, if they prefer not to use the online system.

Learn more
July 2, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccination Equity Report

As part of demonstrating Lowell Community Health Center’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and combatting racism, we are continuing to produce a COVID-19 Vaccination Equity Report. This report provides details from our vaccine distribution here at the Health Center.

February 10, 2021

Meet Fernando. One of our first patients to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Now, hope has a name. It is Fernando. Yesterday, we received a dose of something we all need these days: hope. We began providing the first doses of the COVID vaccine to our patients 75+. We are excited by the realization that more and more patients will be vaccinated every day!

Read more
February 2, 2021

New Q&A on Patient Portal

Did you know the Lowell CHC Patient Portal is a convenient way to access your medical information and communicate with your care team securely, 24/7? You can view lab results, request medication refills, send messages to your care team, and more, all from your computer or mobile phone. Get answers to all of your questions, including how to register, on our new FAQ page.

Learn more
February 1, 2021

Community Health Centers Awaiting Vaccines

There is no shortage of will to provide COVID vaccines, but first, community health centers need to have vaccines on hand. Our Chief Clinical Officer, Elizabeth Hale, was recently part of the discussion on WBUR.

Hear the interview on WBUR.