Because Utah ranks last among all states in the early identification of autism, Utah State University’s Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice is launching a new initiative: an ECHO professional development project focused on autism. This project aims to bridge the gap in early identification and improve outcomes for autistic children by empowering educators, service providers, and families with valuable resources and training.
The goal is to enhance the opportunities available to autistic children, giving them a better chance at success. According to 2020 data from the CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network (ADDM), only 10 out of every 1,000 children in Utah were identified with autism by the age of 48 months. This rate falls significantly below the ADDM network average of more than 21 per 1,000 children. The disparity highlights a critical need for earlier identification and intervention in the state.
One of the challenges Utah faces is that many autistic children do not receive the services they need until they are years into their school journey. The delay in identification means children often miss out on the early interventions that can make a significant difference in their development and quality of life.
To address this pressing issue, the Autism ECHO sessions will begin on September 25. These sessions are designed to provide accessible and effective professional development for educators, special service providers, administrators, case managers, and families. The program’s inclusive approach ensures that all stakeholders in a child’s education and care are equipped to support their needs.
Registration for the Autism ECHO sessions is free, making it accessible to a broad audience. The Autism Council of Utah has generously provided funding to support this initiative, further demonstrating the community’s commitment to improving autism services in the state.
The Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice’s Project ECHO is a part of the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services at Utah State University. Through this professional development project, the Institute is working to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for autistic children and their families. By addressing gaps in early identification and providing targeted training, the program has the potential to make a lasting impact on the lives of countless families across Utah.
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