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Autism Evaluation

Like other disabilities, an autism diagnosis comes with many questions. Riverside's Early Intervention (EI) team is here to help you through the process. EI is a statewide system providing coordinated services to young children with disabilities and their families. Through home and community-based collaboration, you and your team work together to provide ongoing support for your child. Your EI team will include a service coordinator and a team of providers who work with you in your home and other places where your family spends its time.

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If you have a child between the ages of 0-2 and suspect s/he has autism, contact (937) 440-3099. An EI Service Coordinator will ask questions and refer you to our team of professionals for an assessment. We will then refer you to the team physician to either diagnose or rule out autism. Our team, including the EI Service Coordinator, will work with you and your child throughout the process.

A Local Option

For residents of Miami County, Riverside offers Autism Diagnosis Education Project (ADEP), a local autism evaluation option.

 

Our ADEP team, including a local physician, receives ongoing training to assess and help children 18 months until the age of 3 who may have autism.

The Advantages

  • Less wait time for appointments, leading to an earlier diagnosis

  • Comprehensive and standardized tests, ensuring accuracy and consistency

  • No "wait and see" approach

  • Multi-disciplinary team

Why a Diagnosis Matters

If you suspect your child has autism, contact our ADEP team at (937) 440-3099.

Research indicates the earlier a child is diagnosed and receives appropriate intervention, the easier it is to offset the effect of the disability. A diagnosis, along with the team's guidance, can help you formulate a plan to help your child reach their potential.

About ADEP

The Autism Diagnosis Education Project (ADEP) for children ages 18 months to 3 years old is coordinated and funded collaboratively between the

Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD), the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence (OCALI), the Family Learning Child Center and Akron Children's Hospital.

Signs of Autism

These are just a few examples, but they may be early indicators. To learn more of the signs, visit the CDC website.

Eye Contact

Little to no eye contact and rarely looks to others' faces

Communication

Delayed babbling, reverses pronouns, repeats words or phrases

Facial Expressions

Absent, flat or inappropriate facial expressions

Motor Skills

Lack of imitation, inability to follow pointed finger, repetitive motions

Determine if your child shows early signs of autism with this checklist

Meet our ADEP Team

Made up of developmental specialists, therapists and a local physician, Miami County's ADEP Team is equipped to answer your questions, listen to your concerns and support your family.

Kathy Greenawalt-Cherry Headshot.jpg

Kathy
Greenawalt-Cherry

EI Director, LSW, M. Ed. &

Developmental Specialist

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Bethany Covault

Developmental Specialist

Amy Kneisley.jpg

Amy Kneisley

Developmental Specialist

Taylor Ording.jpg

Taylor Ording

Developmental Specialist

Diane Dynes.jpg

Diane Dynes

Speech Language Pathologist

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Penny Hines, MS OTR/L

OT & Certified Health Coach

Image by Arnaud Weyts

Paul Weber, MD

Local Physician

My child has autism.

What do I do now?

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