Clinic Spotlight: Akemi Huynh, M.Ed., Ed. S.

Each year, hundreds of families seek help at the Duke Autism Clinic. Many of them are at a crucial turning point on their journey, and many are feeling anxious and apprehensive. For caregivers of neurodiverse children, the stress of making important decisions about intervention options and medical needs, navigating evaluation and diagnosis, understanding available community supports and special educational services, and unraveling insurance policies can be overwhelming.

Armed with a compassionate manner and her training as a school psychologist, clinic coordinator and psychometrician Akemi Huynh, M.Ed., Ed.S., and her clinic colleagues respond to every phone call, meeting each individual “where they are,” addressing their unique concerns, and providing concrete, “nextstep” information.

“When COVID-19 brought lockdowns early on, stress levels rose for our families,” said Huynh. “What they needed most was transparency, empathy, and action—and we worked hard to deliver all three.”

Looking for innovative ways to continue needed autism evaluations during the pandemic, Duke Autism Clinic psychiatrists and psychologists began telehealth assessments, and once approved, began studying a unique model to deliver early behavioral interventions virtually. After COVID-19 protocols permitted inperson visits, Huynh and the clinic team contacted waitlisted families, shrinking wait times by more than half. When not responding to calls, Huynh provides support to clinic psychologists during their on-site evaluations, including preparing materials, scoring assessments, and navigating medical record transfers to other care providers.

“The best days are when I am able to help a distressed caller be more calm and hopeful,” said Huynh. “Caregivers often shared how their loved ones had been negatively impacted by pandemic disruptions and virtual schooling demands. Many have noticed a decline in mental health. It is rewarding to end these types of calls with the person feeling empowered, validated, and optimistic.”