The CDC was authorized to create the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network through the The Children’s Health Act of 2000. ADDM has been tracking the characteristics of children with developmental delays and disabilities along with ASD across the U.S. for 20 years. Now, they are urging parents who suspect their children to have some type of symptom, to get them evaluated and tested.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continues to affect many children and families. The COVID-19 pandemic brought disruptions to early ASD identification among young children. These disruptions may have long-lasting effects as a result of delays in identification and initiation of services." The CDC website
Evaluation delays could have long-lasting effects as a result of delay in identification and the start of services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Identifying delays early remains a focus of CDC’s ADDM Network, to help make a difference in the lives of children with ASD. The goal is to continue tracking the number and characteristics of children with ASD and working to understand factors associated with outcomes among children and adolescents with ASD as they age and transition to adulthood.
Early intervention (before school age) can have a significant impact on a child’s ability to learn new skills and may also reduce the need for costly interventions over time." The CDC urges on their website.
Early intervention programs are available in every state. For example: for the state of Indiana, the program is: First Steps (800) 545-7763. Early intervention is based off your child's evaluation of abilities and skills.
Comments / 0