Those who work with children every day serve a critical role in
the early identification of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).
Through regular interaction with children of all ages, teachers,
counselors, and other education professionals can quickly note
behaviors and traits that may be important early warning signals
of ASDs. Through the collaborative work of the Missouri Autism
Guidelines Initiative, educators can now confidently point
families to a clear set of best practices designed to improve
the way ASDs are screened, diagnosed, and assessed for
intervention planning in Missouri. Autism Spectrum Disorders:
Missouri Best Practice Guidelines to Screening, Diagnosis, and
Assessment is built on a collaborative community model that
recognizes that a child and his or her family are best served
through a tightly integrated and well-coordinated team of
professionals. A second publication, Autism Spectrum Disorders:
Guide to Evidence-based Interventions, reinforces these
concepts. Autism Spectrum Disorders: Guid