Autism testing is now available through the Arc of Monroe.
The testing is required for those seeking eligibility for services through the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).
Jennifer Parks is a clinical assessment specialist at the Arc and one of two staff members now available for the assessment. She said the testing helps families get started on the right foot as early as possible.
"It has better outcomes for people to be able to start young and to be able to work with professionals. That can help families understand how to work best with their children," Parks said.
Parks says testing is available locally but wait times are often long, so this is just another outlet.
The activities used in the testing are standardized scenarios, which let children observe social behaviors and communication, in order to look for traits that are consistent with a diagnosis of autism.
This includes games, puzzles and conversations.
Parks says this testing is only seeking eligibility for services through the OPWDD. But she says the best place to start if you have questions about your child is with their pediatrician.
This story is reported from WXXI’s Inclusion Desk.