Pervasive Parenting Offers Autism Screening

The Pervasive Parenting Center (PPC) now provides autism screenings to families in eastern Oklahoma. The service is offered free by appointment.

Kodey Toney PPC director, said, “Thanks to training from the Oklahoma Autism Center, and a donation from the Cherokee Nation, the PPC will now offer screening services for Haskell, Latimer, LeFlore, and Sequoyah Counties in eastern Oklahoma.”

They can also provide screenings, by appointment, to anyone at their office in Poteau.

Toney said early identification and early intervention are key to ensure optimal outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The first steps in the process are awareness and screening.

Families should be aware of the developmental milestones that children typically reach around certain ages as well as warning signs that could possibly indicate risk for ASD or other developmental delays Toney said. Screening provides families who have concerns about their child's development to quickly and efficiently find out if their child is at risk for ASD and needs further assessment.

Screening is not the same thing as diagnostic evaluation and cannot identify whether a child does or does not have autism, Toney said. Instead, screening is a tool, or stepping stone, that can determine what the next step should be.

“If you have concerns about your child's development,” Toney said, “screening can show possible risk for Autism Spectrum disorder or other delays and what sort of further assessment may be needed. All screenings include resources and referrals to help the family take the next steps toward providing for their child's long-term developmental health.

“This is something that is needed in the area,” Toney said. “We have some screening resources in the area, but they are very limited, and have become harder to access. This is something that we can offer and bring it to the families if necessary.”

According to the Center for Disease Control 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with the neurological disorder. Autism Spectrum Disorder affects children’s social and language skills.

The PPC was created to help families in eastern Oklahoma find resources available for people with disabilities. For more information, or for an appointment call (918) 647-1255, or email  tyarbery@pervasiveparentingcenter.org.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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