Early Identification Key for Kids with Autism

A: According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disability that can cause significant impairment in socialization, communication and behavior.

A: Absolutely. The incidence of the disorder is estimated to occur in one of every 68 children in the U.S.

A: Pediatricians monitor for any signs of developmental delay beginning at birth, then continue at your child’s first well-child appointment. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children be screened at 18, 24 and 30 months of age. All pediatricians at The University of Kansas Health System follow these guidelines. The earlier a child is identified, the longer the window for intensive early intervention.

A: There are diagnostic centers across the country to more precisely determine autism spectrum disorder. But parents often have to wait 8-12 months for an appointment.

We have worked hard to reduce that wait time here, especially for children under the age of 5. Our current wait time is approximately 4 months, which is shorter than nearly all diagnostic centers in the Kansas City or Midwest region.

A: We've provided 2-day workshops to more than 45 early intervention and education teams throughout the state. We teach them how to identify symptoms of autism and how to use autism-specific screening and assessment tools.

The trained teams then collaborate with our healthcare providers. Children suspected of having autism were evaluated remotely, through telemedicine. This unique service model significantly reduced wait times for those in rural or underserved areas in Kansas.