Appalachian State University’s Growing Well High Country Developmental Clinic is expanding its services, significantly improving access to specialized pediatric care for children in North Carolina’s High Country region. Thanks to $2 million in funding from Vaya Health, the clinic will enhance its operations, particularly in its efforts to support children with autism and other developmental conditions.
"We are expanding access to essential pediatric care that has the potential to transform the lives of children and families throughout Northwestern North Carolina", said Appalachian State Chancellor Heather Norris.
Providing Lifesaving Early Diagnosis
Located in Boone, the Growing Well High Country Developmental Clinic focuses on diagnosing and treating developmental delays in children up to age 5. The clinic offers early screening and evaluations for neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism and cerebral palsy. According to Bryan Belcher, director of Appalachian State’s Interprofessional Clinic, early identification is crucial.
"When you identify developmental delays early, especially around cerebral palsy and autism, you are able to establish a care pathway for the child that maximizes their behavioral and health outcomes for the future, improving their long-term quality of life", said Belcher.
This approach is underpinned by a team-based model of care, which includes allied health therapists, pediatric social workers, and family navigators. The clinic also serves as a training site for Appalachian State students pursuing careers in pediatric and rural health care, allowing them to learn alongside experienced clinicians.
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Expanding Access to Care
Since its opening in 2025, the clinic has addressed a pressing need for early intervention in Northwestern North Carolina, where families often faced long wait times and had to travel to larger cities like Charlotte or Winston-Salem to see specialists. Dr. Gavin Colquitt, executive director of the Appalachian Institute for Health and Wellness (App Well), highlighted the clinic’s impact.
"Before the clinic opened in 2025, the closest place families could see a specialist about their concerns was Charlotte or Winston-Salem. Often, they would be on a waiting list for six months to a year for an appointment, and they were left hoping for answers", said Colquitt.
The funding from Vaya Health will allow the clinic to hire additional staff and increase its availability from two to three days per week this spring. Construction is also underway to create a larger, dedicated clinical space on the second floor of University Hall. The expanded facility is expected to be ready by July.
"Supported by Vaya Health’s generous financial commitment, the clinic’s expansion will exponentially increase our impact, as we work to remove critical access barriers to ensure infants and children receive the diagnosis and care they need", added Colquitt.
Autism as a Focus Area
Among the most common conditions diagnosed at the clinic, autism has emerged as a key focus. Approximately 80% of the infants and children referred to the clinic since its opening have received a diagnosis leading to further treatment. The clinic’s holistic approach ensures families are guided through every step of the diagnostic and treatment process.
The team also plans to expand its services to Appalachian State’s Hickory campus this spring, making care more accessible for families in the Catawba Valley area.
Preparing the Next Generation of Health Professionals
In addition to its clinical services, the Growing Well High Country Developmental Clinic is integral to training the next generation of health care providers. Graduate students from Appalachian State’s speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and social work programs gain hands-on experience through their work at the clinic. These students learn alongside clinicians under the mentorship of experts like Dr. Nathalie Maitre, a neonatologist and affiliate faculty member who helped establish the clinic’s care model.
"Our goal is to ensure that families feel supported and empowered – when they first visit the clinic and throughout the entire process of diagnosis and navigating care options for their child", said Belcher.
The clinic’s expansion and its focus on early diagnosis of autism will help meet growing regional needs, ensuring that more children and families receive the critical support they require to thrive.
