Written by Dr. Carrie Pfeifer

Chances are, if you work with children, you will work with a child with autism. The prevalence of autism has been on the rise—an increase of over 60% within the last decade. Today, the CDC states that 1 in 54 children will be impacted by autism, and boys are affected 4.3 times more than girls (Data and Statistics on Autism, 2020).

Research has shown that “early identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is essential to ensure that children can access specialized evidence-based interventions that can help to optimize long-term outcomes” (Zwaigenbaum et al., 2015, p. S10). Families within our congregations, schools, and communities need education, guidance, and support to find much needed early identification and intervention services. These needs can be provided, at least in part, by our church and school communities.     

Early Identification
The signs of autism can be seen as early as 9 months (University of Florida, 2019). Therefore, an understanding of what are and are not age-appropriate developmental milestones is vital. The CDC has a comprehensive webpage that lists developmental milestones for children ages 2 months through 5 years (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). The Autism Navigator provides not only print resources but also video resources. The video resource shows clips of children in similar settings who demonstrate neurotypical and “red flag” behaviors for autism (University of Florida, 2021). Sharing these resources with parents through cradle roll communications or newsletters can point parents in the right direction and help them have important conversations with medical professionals.

Screening Tools
Screening tools for autism are affordable observation-based tools that education professionals can use to gather information for parents. The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised (M-CHAT-R) is a screener that is intended for toddlers between 16 and 30 months of age. Parents will answer a series of 20 questions about their child’s behavior. The Autism Speaks website has the M-CHAT-R available as a digital survey (Autism Speaks, 2009), and the M-CHAT website has a free download of the screener (Robbins, 2021). Age-appropriate screeners such as the M-CHAT can be administered at the time of enrollment in an early childhood program, or free optional screening could be provided by congregations at different times during the year. More information on screeners and next steps after screening can be found on the CDC website.

Family Education
Parents generally are not aware of the resources that are available for children with autism, and as stated previously, the earlier interventions begin the more impact those interventions can have. Education about identification and interventions could be provided by congregations and parent/teacher organizations through community outreach information sessions. Local pediatricians, professors, special educators, psychologists, therapists, or social workers are just some of the professionals that could be brought in to share information on resources and services available for children with autism.

Early intervention for autism can only begin once parents realize intervention is needed. WELS and ELS congregations and educators can provide parents not only much needed information on identification and resources for autism, but also the Christian insights and support that are crucial for dealing with the demands and struggles that come when raising a child with a disability.

Dr. Carrie Pfeifer serves as professor of education at Bethany Lutheran College-Mankato MN and an adjunct graduate faculty professor at Martin Luther College-New Ulm MN.

References
Autism Speaks. (2009). Instructions for Taking and Scoring the M-CHAT-R autism test.

Autism Speaks. Retrieved 21 June 2021 from https://www.autismspeaks.org/screen-your-child

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, January). CDC’s Developmental Milestones. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved 21 June 2021 from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html

Data and Statistics on Autism. (2020, September). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved June 22, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html

Robbins, D. (2021). M-CHAT. M-CHAT Screen. Retrieved 21 June 2021 from https://mchatscreen.com/

University of Florida. (2019). A Glimpse of 16 Early Signs of Autism by 16 Months. Autism Navigator.

University of Florida. (2021). Autism Navigator ASD Video Glossary. Autism Navigator. Retrieved 21 June 2021 from https://autismnavigator.com/family-resources/#about-autism-in-toddlers

Zwaigenbaum, L., Baumann, M., Stone, W., & Yirmiya, N. (2015, October). Early Identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Recommendations for Practice and Research. Pediatrics, 136 (Supplement).