ARIZONA NEWS

SARRC to test program for earlier autism diagnosis

Apr 1, 2013, 5:00 AM

...

PHOENIX — Four-year-old Xavier is a loving kid who loves to play with toy trains. His mother, 24-year-old Crystal Columbus, said he’s a great kid.

“He loves doing funny things, and he’ll be very helpful at times,” Columbus said. She laughs and adds “this kid has more energy than I know what to do with.”

When he was about 18 months old, Columbus knew that Xavier was different.

“He met all of his milestones as far as walking and crawling, but not talking,” said Columbus, who is a single mother.

For two years, Columbus went to doctors to try to find out what’s wrong with Xavier. The state tested him for autism, but Columbus said it has been reluctant to diagnose him that way.

“By the state, you have to have a certain amount of points to be diagnosed with autism. He’d always miss it by one or two points.”

Columbus knew Xavier needed treatment, and that it was taking too long to get it. So she turned to the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center.

“The system is broken,” said Dr. Christopher Smith, the Vice President and Research Director for SARRC. “There is not clear communication among parents, to professionals, to the state that is granting services.”

SARRC is helping to develop a new technology that could change that.

“We call this project ‘NODA,’ the Naturalistic Observation Diagnostic Assessment,” Smith said. “It’s an online method where the parent records four videos of their child. Once the parent uploads those videos, professionals on the other end of the platform will be logging in, watching the videos and tagging the behaviors that are in support of a developmental delay.

“If we feel that the child meets the criteria for autism, we’ll issue a report back to the child’s general pediatrician, who can then advise his client appropriately.”

The method could cut delays in diagnosis by one year.

“You get your treatments started a year earlier, and you get a year’s increased potential for that child to reach their full potential for functioning,” Smith said.

SARRC plans to start testing the program this summer. Large scale studies could start next year.

Smith said that Xavier has now been diagnosed with autism. Columbus has several hopes and prayers for her son.

“I pray he learns how to cope with his disability, learns from it, learns how to give back, support and teach others,” she said.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Harrison Ward was arrested on April 18, 2024, for his alleged role in a fatal Gilbert crash. (Maric...

KTAR.com

Wrong-way driver arrested in Gilbert after fatal crash

A man was arrested in Gilbert on Thursday for his role in a fatal, early morning wrong-way crash, authorities said.

56 minutes ago

Follow @veenstra_david...

David Veenstra

Valley’s ultimate foodie festival returns this weekend with fried chicken, donuts and more

Prepare for a mouthwatering adventure as the Valley's ultimate global-inspired food festival is returning on Saturday to Peoria.

3 hours ago

Mugshot of Phoenix domestic violence suspect Emmanuel Maldonado, who was arrested Thursday, April 1...

KTAR.com

Phoenix domestic violence suspect tracked down, arrested after leaving scene with child

A Phoenix domestic violence suspect was arrested Thursday after allegedly assaulting his estranged wife and taking off with one of their children.

4 hours ago

A freeway sign on a poll says South Loop 101. Part of the southbound Loop 101 in Tempe will be clos...

Kevin Stone

East Valley closure tops list of metro Phoenix freeway restrictions this weekend

A full closure in the East Valley tops the list of metro Phoenix freeway restrictions this weekend.

5 hours ago

A conservative lawmaker, Austin Smith, halted his reelection campaign for the Arizona House of Repr...

Associated Press

Arizona GOP lawmaker drops reelection campaign after forgery allegations

Republican Arizona state Rep. Austin Smith halted his reelection campaign after being accused of forging signatures on his petitions.

7 hours ago

Arizonans should make sure their pets and livestock have up-to-date rabies vaccinations, health off...

Balin Overstolz McNair

Arizona wildlife officials warn about rabies threat as temperatures rise

Arizona wildlife officials are issuing a rabies warning as rising temperatures draw more animals out of hiding.

8 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Condor Airlines

Condor Airlines can get you smoothly from Phoenix to Frankfurt on new A330-900neo airplane

Adventure Awaits! And there's no better way to experience the vacation of your dreams than traveling with Condor Airlines.

...

DESERT INSTITUTE FOR SPINE CARE

Desert Institute for Spine Care is the place for weekend warriors to fix their back pain

Spring has sprung and nothing is better than March in Arizona. The temperatures are perfect and with the beautiful weather, Arizona has become a hotbed for hikers, runners, golfers, pickleball players and all types of weekend warriors.

(KTAR News Graphic)...

Boys & Girls Clubs

KTAR launches online holiday auction benefitting Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley

KTAR is teaming up with The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley for a holiday auction benefitting thousands of Valley kids.

SARRC to test program for earlier autism diagnosis