OKC AUTISM SCREENINGS OFFERED

For more information, contact April Sandefer, (405) 271-5067

OKLAHOMA CITY – In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, the OU Children’s Physicians’ Child Study Center has launched a new project to increase awareness and identification of autism in young children.

Oklahoma Early Access Autism Project, funded in part through a contract with the Oklahoma Developmental Disabilities Council, partners with local communities to offer monthly autism screenings and awareness throughout the state, at no cost to the participants. The goal of the project is to reach underserved populations who may not have access to traditional developmental screening services.

“Screening is a very important step in ensuring that children with autism and other developmental delays are getting the early intervention services they need,” explained Bonnie McBride, Ph.D., Early Access Project team member. “According to the CDC, less than 50 percent of children with developmental or behavioral disabilities are identified as having a problem before starting school. By this time, significant delays may have already occurred and opportunities for crucial early intervention have been missed.”

During the last week of April, Early Access will launch the project by offering screenings in nine locations across the state. The sites include Woodward, Enid, Weatherford, El Reno, Chickasha, Norman, Ada, Idabel and Tahlequah. Partner sites sponsored by LINK Project and Autism Center of Tulsa will offer screening in Tulsa area. Additional screenings are offered in the Oklahoma City area, sponsored by Oklahoma Autism Network in partnership with Easter Seals Oklahoma. All screenings will be provided at no cost to families/participants.

The purpose of the screening is to determine if developmental skills are progressing as expected. Screenings do not provide conclusive evidence of developmental delays or autism and do not result in a diagnosis; therefore a positive screening result should be followed by a thorough assessment. Parents will receive information about resources in their community so they can help their child get services if needed.

For more information or to schedule an appointment for a screening, call (405) 295-5273, or visit www.EarlyAccessOK.org.

OU Children’s Physicians practice as part of OU Physicians, Oklahoma’s largest physician group. The group encompasses nearly every child and adult medical specialty.

Nearly 150 of these specialists committed their practices to the care of children. The majority of OU Children’s Physicians are board-certified in children’s specialties. Many provide pediatric-specific services unavailable elsewhere in the state. Some have pioneered surgical procedures or innovations in patient care that are world firsts.

OU Children’s Physicians see patients in their offices at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and other cities around Oklahoma. When hospitalization is necessary, they often admit patients to The Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center. Many children with birth defects, critical injuries or serious diseases who can’t be helped elsewhere come to OU Children’s Physicians. Oklahoma doctors and parents rely on OU Children’s Physicians depth of experience, nationally renowned expertise and sensitivity to children’s emotional needs.

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"The Collinsville HS Band went to State Contest on Tuesday, April 12. This was the first time for the Cadets in class 5A. The received a division one superior rating in the stage portion (picture shown), and a division two excellent in the sight-reading portion. This is an outstanding achievement for the High School Band. We are proud of this amazing accomplishment!!!" -- Richard Newhart, Director (4/13/2011)

-- Submitted by Connie Collis ... the band bosters' new PR officer

Gas Prices Still Rising ... Noticed $3.559 per gallon regular here Tuesday April 12, 2011.

Previous Coverage was $3.319 on March 23, 2011.