According to recent estimates, the state of Utah may be falling behind the national average when it comes to identifying children who have autism and providing them with the support they need early on. Data from 2020 revealed that about 10 out of 1,000 Utah children are identified as autistic by the time they turn four, but this is nearly half the national rate of 20 per 1,000.
Since it’s unlikely that there are that many fewer autistic children in Utah, it’s important to start identifying what’s causing the gap in levels of diagnosis. Janel Preston, a special educator at Utah State University, told media reporters that it’s difficult to determine why Utah has fallen so far behind, but she believes a major part of the problem is a lack of access. Since Utah is fairly rural, she believes unique challenges prevent some citizens from receiving the services they need.
To help solve the issue, Utah State University will be providing Autism ECHO sessions starting on September 25th. These sessions are designed to educate, inform, and empower more Utah providers, administrators, and case managers. The sessions will provide specific tools that should help with identifying and diagnosing autism.
Preston explained that early identification is crucial because without it, autistic children could go years without being diagnosed. This could lead to them struggling to properly interact with their peers, manage school, and develop close relationships. As these children grow into adults, undiagnosed autism can create difficulties within the workforce. Early intervention, however, can provide these children with the right coping skills, language assistance, and social modeling they need to become more independent and successful.
Do You Know the Top Signs of Autism in Children?
Spreading autism awareness starts at the individual level. Do you know the top signs of autism in children? It’s important to refer to professionals if you suspect someone you know and love could have an autistic child, but it’s always good to be aware of some of the leading signs and symptoms. According to experts, some of the most common signs of autistic traits in young children include difficulty with communication, delayed speech, specific and repeated interests, sensory sensitivities, food sensitivities, difficulty with making friendships, self-harming behaviors, difficulty with regulating tough emotions, and repetitive movements.
As you can imagine, it’s very difficult to pinpoint these specific traits when a young child is just starting to develop. For this reason, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional or an autism expert with your concerns.
Here at the Nevada Autism Center, our team of compassionate behavior analysts and staff members can help you and your family get the information you need to serve your child. We provide thorough and accurate assessments and proven ABA therapy services. We seek to create individualized treatment plans that will help support your child, foster independence, and improve their overall quality of life.
Contact our team now to learn more about whether our services are right for you and your family.
