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Project ECHO: Enhancing Autism Training in Utah

In an effort to improve Utah’s statistics — and the chances autistic children have for success — the Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice will offer a new ECHO professional development project focused on autism. This initiative is aimed at addressing a critical gap in early identification and intervention for autistic children in the state, where statistics reveal concerning trends that affect the futures of many families.

When it comes to early identification of autism, Utah lags behind all other states in the CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network (ADDM). Data from 2020 shows just 10 children per 1,000 identified with autism by 48 months, while the network average is more than 21 per 1,000. This stark contrast highlights a significant need for autism service providers to enhance their training and outreach efforts in order to identify children earlier.

The number of children identified with autism in Utah nearly doubled by age 8, demonstrating that while the prevalence is evident, many children are not identified before they start school. This delay in identification often results in autistic children spending critical early years in the educational system without receiving the services they need to thrive.

A delay in identification means autistic children are often years into school before they receive services, creating barriers that can affect their academic and social development. This emphasizes the importance of initiatives like Project ECHO, which aims to equip educators and healthcare providers with the necessary tools and knowledge for early detection and intervention.

The Institute for Disability’s Project ECHO is part of the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services at Utah State University. This program will begin offering specialized Autism ECHO sessions starting September 25, designed for a diverse audience, including educators, health care providers, special service providers, case managers, administrators, and families. Registration is free, and the Autism Council of Utah has provided funding to make this vital training accessible.

Janel Preston, who leads Project ECHO at the Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice (IDRPP), emphasized the program’s goal of extending training in early autism identification across all of Utah, including rural and frontier areas. “The training is especially crucial for those in underserved regions,” she noted, pointing out that many autism service providers operate in isolation, lacking access to specialized training.

Preston has seen the profound effect that training can have on early identification since 2008, when she began her work at the IDRPP as Utah’s Act Early ambassador. She explained that without adequate training, professionals often felt less comfortable discussing autism with parents. “As their knowledge increased, those conversations became easier,” she said, highlighting the need for ongoing education.

“I always think that knowledge is power,” she asserted, underscoring the belief that informed professionals are better equipped to support families in their journey. This principle forms the backbone of the Project ECHO initiative.

Project ECHO is a lifelong learning and guided practice model that provides professional development and offers best practices in various fields. Currently, IDRPP hosts five ECHO projects, covering topics such as early intervention, mental health, substance abuse, and autism. Importantly, more than a third of IDRPP’s ECHO participants hail from rural areas, addressing a significant gap in access to training for those in less populated regions.

The ECHO model utilizes hub-and-spoke knowledge-sharing networks, led by expert teams who conduct learning sessions about evidence-based practices via videoconferencing. This structure is especially beneficial for service providers located far from major population centers, enabling them to enhance their skills and knowledge without the burden of travel.

To find out more about this important initiative, visit the IDRPP’s Autism ECHO page, where you can discover resources and information to help improve autism identification and services across Utah.

The ADDM is an 11-state network that includes Utah. It is “the only collaborative network to track the number and characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in multiple communities in the United States.” Through efforts like Project ECHO and the collaboration of various autism service providers, there is hope for improving these critical early identification statistics and ensuring that all autistic children in Utah receive the support they need to succeed.

Take the Next Step Toward Growth

At Gracious Growth, we believe in a holistic approach to autism treatment in Utah that nurtures individual strengths and fosters personal development. Our dedicated team is committed to providing tailored support that meets each child’s unique needs. By focusing on compassionate, evidence-based strategies, we empower families and individuals to thrive.

Ready to embark on a journey of growth? Contact us today to learn more about our autism treatment options and how we can support your family!

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