Autism evaluations and experiences serve community and students

A new autism evaluation project under the direction of Pittsburg State University's Psychology & Counseling Department has a home, and a new event is planned to prepare children with special needs for health care appointments.

Evaluations

Evaluations of children ages 1 to 6 years old are taking place in a former classroom in Hughes Hall (home to the university's College of Education) that has been outfitted with child-sized tables and chairs and colorful area rugs.

The project, funded by a K-INBRE grant, is designed to help slightly relieve waitlists at area agencies.

It also is giving university students in several majors, including Therapeutic Recreation and Biology/Pre-Med, valuable experience in how to interact with youth, parents, and special populations.

The grant will cover enough testing materials and resources for two children per month for two to three years.

The results will not be a diagnosis, but rather an evaluation that can be used for educational services or for parents to provide their child's pediatrician for a medical diagnosis.

Such a service is in high demand. There are more than 100 children on wait lists at two area agencies, according to Assistant Professor Paige Boydston, who is directing the project with graduate assistant Halle Panter (BS '24).

Their goal

Boydston (MS '14) hopes to eventually secure ongoing funding to assess 50 children a year and conduct virtual and in-person parent training.

With experience practicing clinically at a local agency, her research interests include intensive behavioral intervention and treatment of autism, and supervision in behavior analysis.

The evaluation process will require around 10 hours of staff time per child and will be completely free.

"Getting additional services in this area is long overdue," Boydston said. "This helps our community, and it helps our students."

Boydston and Panter also will make training videos for students that demonstrate assessments of children without autism and those with autism, how to interact with families, and how to navigate the assessment process.

They hope to one day extend the evaluations to children ages 7 to 10 years old.

Up next

Boydston and Panter are collaborating with students and faculty in other Pitt State programs to serve special populations and provide university students with experience.

With Professor Laura Miller in Therapeutic Recreation, they are planning Little Explorers on Oct. 25.

"Children with sensory needs or disabilities may find healthcare appointments challenging," Boydston said.

The event, funded a Mount Carmel Foundation Legacy Grant and the Future Fund through the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas, is especially for families with children ages 0 to 12. Parents may choose from one of two sessions: from 10 a.m. to noon, or from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

This interactive experience will give children the opportunity to explore simulated stations for haircuts, vision, hearing, doctor, and dentist visits in a supportive environment.

Space is limited, so registration is required. Register: pittstate.edu/explorers

Questions?

Email Paige Boydson or Laura Miller