From Silos to Solutions
The Challenge We Face
When a child receives an autism diagnosis at age 3, families often believe it's the beginning of support. Instead, it's frequently the start of a marathon through disconnected systems. The pediatrician who provides the diagnosis can't connect families to educational resources. The school district may require a separate evaluation—with waitlists stretching over months. Without proper behavioral support, housing becomes unstable. Parents struggle to maintain employment while navigating this maze alone.
This pattern isn't an outlier—it's the norm in Baton Rouge. We call it the "Silo Tax"—the hidden cost families pay when our medical, educational, housing, and employment systems don't communicate with each other.
What We Built in 2025
This year, CAAN took a decisive step forward. In October, we hosted the inaugural State of Neurodiversity in Baton Rouge conference. With 51 attendees representing medical providers, educators, therapists, families, and community leaders, we proved something powerful: the pieces exist—they just need to be connected.
We also partnered with the Baton Rouge Area Youth Network (BRAYN) to present Every Mind Matters, bringing critical awareness to the needs of students with ADHD and other types of neurodivergence.
More than events, 2025 was about establishing CAAN as the convener—the organization that brings stakeholders together to solve problems no single entity can tackle alone.
The 2026 Vision: Building the Infrastructure
In 2026, we're moving from conversation to connection. We're building the infrastructure that makes Baton Rouge work for neurodivergent families—connecting medical care to education, education to housing, housing to employment, and employment back to health.
Our strategy centers on four interconnected pillars:
Pillar 1: Integrated Healthcare
Partnering with community health centers to embed autism screenings into primary care—moving specialized diagnostics from high-barrier hospitals to neighborhood clinics where families already go. Because healthcare should be a right, not a luxury.
Pillar 2: Synchronized Education
Creating a medical-to-educational pipeline with East Baton Rouge Parish Schools so that a medical diagnosis triggers immediate educational advocacy support—closing the gap that leaves children without services during critical developmental windows.
Pillar 3: Inclusive Housing
Advocating for neuro-inclusive design in local affordable housing developments—securing stable, sensory-friendly housing located near the places people need to go. Because stable housing reduces behavioral crises and improves long-term health outcomes.
Pillar 4: Workforce Integration
Launching a Neuro-Inclusive Employer Certification program to connect trained neurodivergent adults with local businesses. Because employment isn't just about income—it's preventative healthcare that builds individual dignity and community wealth.
Six Connections We're Building in 2026
January 2026: Housing Initiative Launch
Partnering with other local organizations and stakeholders to introduce neuro-inclusive housing options. Because housing IS healthcare.
Spring 2026: Inaugural Provider Summit
For the first time, medical providers, educators, and therapists will sit at the same table to build referral systems that actually work and identify and address existing gaps in service delivery.
May 2026: Transportation to Care Workshop
Addressing the reality that 15% of missed medical appointments are due to transportation barriers.
Summer 2026: Financial & Legal Planning Workshop
Making future planning accessible—because securing your child's future shouldn't require a law degree and a financial planner.
Summer 2026: Medical Education Event
Bringing cutting-edge research on emerging treatment pathways directly to Baton Rouge providers and answering questions about myths vs reality.
Fall 2026: Second Annual Conference
Showcasing the ecosystem we're building together and launching into 2027 with momentum.
Why This Matters
Louisiana has one of the highest rates of autism diagnoses in the country—yet one of the weakest support infrastructures. When neurodivergent adults can't find employment, when families face repeated ER visits, when children fall through educational cracks—we all pay the cost.
But more than economics, this is about dignity. About a community where everyone belongs. Where a diagnosis opens doors instead of creating barriers.
How You Can Help
Attend an Event
Your presence matters. All 2026 events are free or low-cost. Visit www.caanbr.org for our full calendar.
Become a Monthly Sustainer
• $25/month supports family navigation through the IEP process
• $50/month provides provider training materials for 10 professionals
• $100/month funds annual conference scholarships for 5 families
Make a Year-End Gift
Help us start 2026 strong with a one-time donation. Every dollar goes directly to building the infrastructure our community needs. Donate online at www.caanbr.org/donate or mail checks to CAAN, 2041 Silverside Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808.
The Future We're Building
Imagine a Baton Rouge where medical providers, schools, housing, and employers work in concert. Where neurodivergent individuals don't just survive—they thrive. Where families don't navigate alone.
That's what we're building. Together.