Oklahoma Early Access Project
Through many partnerships, Early Access improves services and support systems for children at risk for autism and other developmental disabilities as well as their families. More early childhood providers learn how to engage families in developmental monitoring and how to implement effective programs for children once children have been identified. This builds the capacity of agencies and the communities they serve. Early Access is family‐centered and designed to promote inclusion for children with autism.
Early Access Success Story
The Early Access Program strives to raise awareness of the importance of early identification and early intervention by increasing the number of professionals who are able to use evidence-based tools to monitor and screen children for autism and other developmental disabilities. Early Access has created a network of screening partners by working with existing programs to promote this developmental monitoring and screening. Early Access provides training for professionals, free autism screening for families, and connection to resources.
Early Access’ has worked hard to build capacity with many communities, including the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic and other Tribal organizations. They continue to build capacity to provide high quality comprehensive developmental screenings and evaluations throughout Oklahoma. They have replicated the process many times over with other agencies through our partnership with the Council.
Early Access Stats
On average 36-40 autism screening by the Early Access team per year. This does not include the number of screenings conducted by our screening partners.
Early Access has created 15 active screening partner agencies across the state.
This project is community‐based, reflecting the Council's goal for Welcoming Communities. Early Access continues to build and support the Community Screening Partner Network, helping local communities meet the needs of individuals with autism and developmental disabilities and their families. Implementation of this project provides awareness of the Council’s work as well as resources to individuals and groups in Oklahoma.
Contact Information
For more information, contact: