ECHO Autism: Primary Care Early Diagnosis

In Cincinnati Children’s Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics is launching a collaborative virtual training program to help primary care providers diagnose autism in children under 4 using a standardized, evidence-based approach. This program builds capacity for timely, accurate diagnoses in the child’s medical home. ECHO Autism STAT aims to expand access to diagnostic and ongoing care, especially for families in rural or underserved areas. The STAT is an interactive, Level 2 screener assessing social communication and play behaviors. Combined with caregiver interviews, clinic observations, use of screeners, then integrating this information with DSM-5 criteria, it supports accurate early diagnosis by trained clinicians.

Session Topics

Screening & Next Steps
Take a Good History
Observe the Child in Front of You
Setting Your Space for Success
Differential Diagnosis: Language Delay
Differential Diagnosis: Global Developmental Delay
Differential Diagnosis: Trauma/Sensory Impairment
Special Consideration: Presentation of ASD in Girls
Delivering the Diagnosis
Treatments for ASD in Young Children: Speech Therapy/Strategies for Support
Treatment for ASD in Young Children: Occupational Therapy
Treatment for ASD in Young Children: ABA Therapy
Treatment for ASD in Young Children: Preschool and IEP
Supporting Families/Navigating Resources
Facilitating Safety
Coding/Billing 101
Medical Testing Following a New Diagnosis of ASD: Genetic Testing
Medical Testing Following a New Diagnosis of ASD: When Are Metabolic Labs, EEG, or MRI warranted
Common Problems in Young Children with ASD: Feeding
Common Problems in Young Children with ASD: Sleep
Common Problems in Young Children with ASD: Behavior
Common Problems in Young Children with ASD: Constipation