New Partnership Helps Families Access Autism Evaluations

If you have concerns about your child's development, getting answers quickly can make a big difference.

That's why Avon Community School Corporation has entered into a collaborative university health system and school district partnership to train school psychologists. This new initiative with the IU School of Medicine will ultimately help families access autism evaluations sooner and connect children with support services earlier.

"Autism is a diagnosis of a family, not just a child," says Avon School Psychologist Susan Caveney. "While the diagnosis is given to a child, it impacts the entire family."

The partnership focuses on the use of a new assessment tool called ASD-PEDS, which helps identify young children who may be on the autism spectrum. Currently, many families face long waits for developmental evaluations through medical providers. By training school psychologists to administer the assessment — starting in Avon Schools and potentially spreading across the state — Riley hopes to reduce wait times and help children get the support they need as early as possible.

Autism is a diagnosis of a family, not just a child. While the diagnosis is given to a child, it impacts the entire family. Susan Caveney

"Early intervention is most important," said Avon School Psychologist Katie Mosley. "When children receive support at a younger age, they have more opportunities to develop important communication, social, and learning skills." Not only do these interventions have the potential of improving students' academic performance, but they can also have a lifelong impact on social and emotional growth.

"One benefit of the ASD-PEDS assessment is that it was designed specifically for very young children," says Mrs. Caveney. "Unlike some evaluations, it does not require a parent to be in the room and can be more effective for toddlers who may have difficulty sitting still for longer assessments."

Mrs. Caveney and Mrs. Mosley encourage any family with concerns about their child's development to start by talking with their pediatrician. Pediatricians routinely monitor developmental milestones during well-child visits and can help determine whether an evaluation may be appropriate.

For children who qualify, Avon Schools offers a range of developmental preschool services tailored to their needs. The district's multidisciplinary team includes occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and other specialists who work together to support each child.

Through this partnership, Avon Schools, Riley, and IU School of Medicine hope to make the evaluation process faster and more accessible for Hoosier children, helping families receive answers sooner and ensuring children can begin receiving vital services as early as possible.