BPSOS-CCA staff members (from left to right): Hien Le, Hannah Johnson, Kimmi Phan, Hang Nguyen, and Michael Jensen
Early screenings can make a big difference for children with autism. They help families get supports in place to set them up for lifelong success. There are service providers across the State dedicated to connecting families to those resources and removing language or cultural barriers to access.
Boat People SOS Center of Community Advancement (BPSOS-CCA) has been serving the Vietnamese community in Orange County for 25 years. In partnership with the non-profit Family Support Network in the City of Orange, they offer free developmental screenings for children ages 0-5. These screenings are a critical first step in spotting early signs of autism and other developmental differences. At these screenings, skilled professionals offer immediate, personalized referrals to available services. This connects families to the support they need as soon as possible, including the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program.
“These screenings serve as a powerful tool for parents,” said Kimmi Phan, program coordinator at BPSOS-CCA. “By identifying strengths and challenges early, families are empowered to make informed decisions and secure the resources their children need for a successful future.”
BPSOS-CCA is part of the national BPSOS network. It also partners with the Regional Center of Orange County to offer guidance and resources to families, including:
- Housing assistance
- English as a Second Language and citizenship classes
- Mental health referrals
- Immigration forms assistance
“Through these services, we hope to empower community members with the resources they need to thrive,” said Phan.
