Today children wait 2-3 years on average after exhibiting initial symptoms for the proper diagnosis. Delayed diagnosis compounds existing problems which often leads to more intensive and costly treatment. Limited prevention and comprehensive mental health programs exist in Central Florida, inhibiting long-term social, emotional, and mental well being.
We deliver probono immigration evaluations and low-cost, culturally responsive diagnostics for racial/ethnic minority youth online and in the community. Florida’s majority under 70 are now people of color, 1 in 3 Floridians speak a language other than English (more than 1/2 speak Spanish in areas such as Osceola and Miami-Dade County), half of children are underinsured, 10% of families live below poverty level, there are few linguistically and culturally diverse neuropsychologists, and the typical clinical workflow is time intensive. These factors leave children behind with no or delayed diagnosis. Latinos with complex brain conditions such as epilepsy have limited access to a Spanish-speaking neuropsychologist to evaluate their memory or thinking abilities to determine their risk for cognitive decline with brain surgery. Partnering with the community and technologists, Dr. Cristi learned methods to reduce waiting times from months to a 3 day appointment time. She launched a Screen to Treat Campaign offering 250+ FREE mobile screenings to children in Central Florida since 2018. 98.5% of children who received these mental health screenings received an Individualized Education Plan at school or follow-up treatment within 2 months. Niños Health needs $60,000 to serve 250 patients. Each $250 donation will contribute to a patient receiving a diagnosis. Your donation will support a postdoctoral fellow in neuropsychology. You will be contributing to the training of the next generation of future bilingual doctors who can serve our diverse communities. Together, we can use neuropsychology to make a positive impact on society!
Director, Art Neuro Program
Outsider Abstract Artist, Off Center Gallery
Born with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy and epilepsy
Director, Design & Marketing
VLicensed Interior Designer & Founder | Unite Design Co
Director, Legal
Attorney at Law, Gordon & Thalwitzer
Nationally Respected Bilingual Pediatric Neuropsychologist
Nationally Respected Bilingual Pediatric Neuropsychologist
Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute International Expert in Traumatic Brain Injury & Neurorehabilitation
International expert in pediatric epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, and multiple sclerosis.