Anna McConnell, Dept. of Mental Health State Autism Coordinator, brings us some of the current resources available regarding different autism intervention and treatment strategies. For more posts about autism (many by Anna) just follow our new Autism label on the blog!

Developmental screenings are crucial for identifying delays in children, leading to earlier intervention. The Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP) released the Environmental Scan: State Strategies and Initiatives to Improve Developmental and Autism Screening and Early Identification Systems publication, which describes various states’ efforts to create a well-developed system of care that emphasizes early screening, assessment, and intervention. Once identified, finding and paying for interventions in Alabama is not always easy. While there are a number of services accessible for children with delays, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), lack of adequate insurance coverage issues may make services inaccessible and depending on where a family lives, resources may not be available.

Recent news articles have featured therapies and interventions that have aided children with ASD in making great gains. One resource that provides guidance about which interventions are evidence-based and effective for specific age groups has been published by the National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders. The 2014 Evidence Based Practice Report (pdf) is a great resource for any service provider or family member who is considering appropriate interventions. Social, communication, and school readiness are the areas most addressed across interventions for the birth through age five category. In Alabama, we hope that the system of care for those with ASD will continue to develop and improve for early screening, identification, and intervention. These are helpful resources to consider as Alabama continues to move forward in its work for those with ASD.