<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=13b8jh_1APYGqhr00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=13b8jh_1APYGqhr00" width="670" height="329" ><figcaption>AdobeStock</figcaption></figure>The Nevada Collective for Autism and Neurodevelopment (NvCAN) is raising funds to expand evidenced-based screenings for children with developmental delays.April is recognized as Autism Awareness Month. Advocates bring light to the disorder that has increased globally among children in the past 20 years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in 31 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder.Jan Marson, an American Occupational Therapy Association Board Certified pediatric therapist and founder of the Carson City Rural Child Advocacy Center, co-founded NvCAN in 2006 with three other specialists in pediatric health or neurodevelopment. They formed the nonprofit to focus on filling gaps in specialized services, including workforce training, for families of children with autism or neurodevelopmental needs.“We’re seeing a lot of individual needs with a lot of trouble navigating these systems of care since COVID and autism diagnosis,” Marson said. “You see one kid with autism, all unique people and all unique families, and you see great strength but you have trouble navigating schedules, just doing normal things.”The hope is to help families identify whether their child has an autism disorder at an earlier age.The National Survey of Children’s Health’s (NSCH) 2020-21 parent survey revealed 2.8% of Nevada parents reported their child had autism. The average autism diagnosis that year was 5.5 years old, higher than the United States average of 4.9 years. This potentially reflects there are fewer trained professionals in the state to make diagnoses for children at a younger age.NvCAN also seeks to direct them through a complex health care system that has not kept pace treating neurodevelopmental and mental health struggles, according to Marson. The NSCH survey showed 25.3% of parents in Nevada reported their child experienced unmet health care needs, higher than the U.S. average of 10.9%.According to the CDC, all children should be screened for autism spectrum disorder during doctor visits at 18 and 24 months of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends more frequent screenings. But the CDC says by age 2, a diagnosis is considered reliable although most children will not receive an official diagnosis until they are older.Marson said the nonprofit has plans to work with Carson City’s local community partners, such as Carson Tahoe Health, that has resources available such as its Vehicles of Change or other activities, as well as the Sierra Healing House to address mental health needs and the screening surveillance.CTH President and CEO Michelle Joy told the Appeal the health care network is pleased to partner with NvCAN with its resources to help families struggling with autism.“We are grateful to live in a community where organizations who are tirelessly working to enhance the wellbeing of people in our region understand that collaboration is one of our greatest strengths,” Joy said. “While we each serve distinct roles, by working together, we have a much greater chance of helping fill critical care gaps.“While our Vehicles of Change are out in the Quad Counties working to foster life skills and resilience among the general population of kids ages 8 to 12, when we meet families who need higher level services, we help direct them to additional resources needed to thrive. We fully support the mission and work of Nevada Collective for Autism and Neurodevelopment (NvCAN) and are honored to serve alongside all the dedicated groups that make up our region’s ‘safety net.’”Diagnoses through the Carson City School District’s psychologists can provide early intervention, but autism is increasingly complex as children experience more trauma or anxiety, Marson said.“What do you do when kids bubble up and flood the system?” Marson said. “That is the next level. … To fix it, we have to come to the table. NvCAN has the expertise and connections with the (University of Nevada, Reno) medical school and school of education.”Results also showed 27.5% of autistic households in the state experience food or housing insecurity.Autism assessments, too, are becoming increasingly expensive and can cost families up to $3,000 out of pocket without insurance coverage.NvCAN’s developmental screening is based on a method called the Parents’ Evaluations of Developmental Status, a questionnaire available in multiple languages. Parents’ responses are used to formulate a guidance report on the child’s mental health, motor skills, expressive language or other abilities.The nonprofit’s fundraising efforts will help cover an assessment fee families would pay for the questionnaire. Marson said assessments are useful“Some kids are very clear and you can identify (their disorder),” she said. “But getting the medical diagnoses, it opens it up to needing a fundraiser. It’s about the kids and enjoying life. And NvCAN, how we got that name is the Nevada CAN-do spirit. We took professionals and built a sustainable program.”For information, go to nv-can.org.</div></body>

Block Source: Nevada Appeal

Misinformation

Clickbait

Old or repetitive news

Explicit content

Location not relevant

The Nevada Collective for Autism and Neurodevelopment (NvCAN) is raising funds to expand evidenced-based screenings for children with developmental delays. April is recognized as Autism Awareness Month. Advocates bring light to the disorder that has increased globally among children in the past 20 years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in 31 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder.

NvCAN addressing challenges for children with autism

NewsBreak

The Nevada Collective for Autism and Neurodevelopment (NvCAN) is raising funds to expand evidenced-based screenings for children with developmental delays.

NvCAN addressing challenges for children with autism

Comments