Studies show that African-American children with autism typically receive a diagnosis one to two years later than white children. The earlier a child is diagnosed with developmental delays, the more opportunities the child and family will have to receive the proper support. Early intervention is critical in the diagnosis and treatment of children with developmental delays and autism spectrum disorders.
During Black History Month, Life Skills will host an Educational Panel Discussion to educate community members about the importance of “sooner equals better,” talk about the signs of autism and developmental delays, and discuss the resources available.
The event will be held 6 p.m. Thursday, February 28 at St. Louis Public Radio, 3651 Olive St. The panel discussion will be held in the community room on the first floor.
Expert panelists including a physician, a case worker, and a parent with a child with developmental disabilities.
About 15 percent of children in the United States have a developmental disability, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Autism Spectrum Disorders have had the most rapid increase when compared with other developmental disabilities; about 1 in 88 children have been identified with an autism spectrum disorder.
Life Skills, a United Way agency, helps people with developmental disabilities – including autism – learn, live, work and participate in the community. Life Skills recently merged with TouchPoint Autism Services and now serves more than 4,200 individuals in 95 counties across Missouri.
For more information, visit www.lifeskills-mo.org.