We encourage you to celebrate Autism Acceptance with SARAH Inc. KIDSTEPS this month!
History and Facts
In 2023, CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network reported that approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism spectrum disorder encompasses a range of linked conditions, singular symptoms and/or traits. By fostering the acceptance of our differences, we can embrace change to help improve opportunities for everyone with an autism spectrum disorder.
Autism Acceptance Month has been celebrated since 1972. This was the year when the Autism Society organized its first annual National Autistic Children’s Week. Over time, this week in April expanded to include the entire month, and now April is recognized across the country as Autism Acceptance Month.
SARAH Inc. KIDSTEPS Autism Services
As part of our Early Intervention Services, SARAH Inc. KIDSTEPS offers support designed for children with an autism spectrum disorder. Our teams utilize the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) to develop a play-based program for each child. This program uses a child’s natural curiosity and enthusiasm as a building block for learning new skills in specific areas of development, such as communication, social skills, play skills, self-help skills, and motor skills.
Our dedicated KIDSTEPS team monitors each child’s progress as new skills are learned, assesses the goals in the child’s Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP), and then adapts their program accordingly. Services take place wherever the family and child spend their time, such as homes, childcare, playgroups, parks, supermarkets, the bank, and other places in the community.
How to Get Involved This Month
This month is an opportunity to learn more about autism. You can learn more by reading about it, looking through social media posts under #AutismAcceptanceMonth, or starting a conversation with family and friends. In addition to learning, we can celebrate our differences this month and promote inclusivity within our community.
Request an Evaluation
To request a Birth to Three Early Intervention evaluation you can:
A) Call the toll-free intake phone number at Child Development Infoline 1-800-505-7000
B) Complete the online referral form on the Birth to Three System web site www.birth23.org
OR
C) Download the referral form from the Birth to Three Website and Fax your referral to 1-800-571-6853
If you would like KIDSTEPS to provide the evaluation you must request us by name during the intake process. Otherwise, your child will be assigned to the program in your town that is next on rotation. If you have any questions, please contact us at 203-453-7592
Towns Served
Berlin, Bozrah, Branford, Canterbury, Clinton, Colchester, Cromwell, Deep River, Durham, East Haven, East Lyme, Essex, Franklin, Glastonbury, Griswold, Groton, Guilford, Hamden, Killingly, Killingworth, Lebanon, Ledyard, Lisbon, Madison, Meriden, Middletown, Milford, Montville, New Britain, New Haven, New London, Newington, North Branford, North Haven, Norwich, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Orange, Plainfield, Portland, Rocky Hill, Scotland, Sprague, Stonington, Wallingford, Waterford, West Haven, Westbrook, Wethersfield and Windham. Staff are local and familiar to the community they serve.
