When a child in central Kansas is referred to a developmental pediatrician, the wait for an appointment can be up to 18 months.
That lengthy delay didn’t sit well with the staff at the Early Education Center because families have to wait to receive answers.
So the staff decided to do something about it.
Sunflower Diversified Services owns and operates the EEC, which supports children with developmental delays and disabilities from age birth to 3.
“We were having difficulties getting appointments scheduled for children with issues that go beyond typical delays,” said Heather Quillin, EEC speech-language pathologist. “We sought a solution and the result is a better way to gain access to the resources and medical support some children need.
“The EEC professionals continue to provide support to children and families during the wait for an appointment,” Quillin added. “Our expertise is diversified but we always seek ways to enhance children’s lives.”
As a first step, Cathy Estes, EEC children’s services coordinator, contacted the Kansas Department of Health & Environment. It referred her to the Technical Assistance Support Network (TASN) Autism and Tertiary Behavior Support project.
TASN is based at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
“We reached out to TASN staff members and have developed a great working relationship with them,” Quillin said. “They have been here twice so far to help us evaluate eight of our children.”
Two TASN representatives, along with the EEC primary provider, went to each family’s home to complete two parts of the evaluation – a parent interview and a direct test of the child’s skills.
The children ranged in age from 21 to 36 months.
“TASN goals are to assess and gather information to help in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other disorder,” Quillin noted. “The team does not diagnose ASD but rather compiles information for the developmental pediatricians.
“Input from TASN can decrease the amount of time it takes to see the developmental physician,” she added. “This is the crucial time in a child’s development and we cannot continue to lose valuable months waiting for appointments.”
TASN helps make these appointments for families who must then follow up. Depending on a child’s age and needs, and team recommendations, “we try to schedule the visit with the doctor within a month,” Quillin said. “When a family meets with the pediatrician, the official evaluation is complete.”
Coordinator Cathy Estes noted the EEC’s work in early intervention is the same with or without a diagnosis. The staff evaluates a child’s development and considers specific needs and family priorities.
Then an individualized early intervention plan is formed.
“However,” Estes said, “it helps parents to know what, if anything, is behind their child’s delay or disability. The developmental pediatrician can help answer that question.
“Our professionals will follow up with any intervention needed in the home,” she continued, noting the staff has a wide range of credentials. “Regardless of a diagnosis, or the lack of one, early intervention is key. Developmental delays are often overcome and disabilities can be minimized. This leads to a happy and productive childhood.”
TASN is currently training four EEC staff members who will comprise a local autism assessment team.
The EEC, located at 1312 Patton Road in Great Bend, is part of the tiny-k infant/toddler program in Kansas. The non-profit agency’s service area includes Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush and Stafford counties. Its services are free to families.