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Community Childcare Providers’ Role in the Early Detection of Autism Spectrum Disorders

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Abstract

The first few years of life represent a crucial period for optimal brain development for young children. Therefore, it is important to identify children at-risk for developmental delays, including autism spectrum disorders, at the earliest age possible. An argument for utilizing community childcare providers for universal developmental screening is presented along with suggestions for assessment tool selection and a model for developmental monitoring in community childcare settings.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Educational Specialties, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, 89557, USA

    Diane Branson

  2. Department of Speech Pathology & Audiology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA

    Debra C. Vigil

  3. Department of Educational Specialties, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA

    Ann Bingham

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  1. Diane Branson
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  2. Debra C. Vigil
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  3. Ann Bingham
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Correspondence to Diane Branson.

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Branson, D., Vigil, D.C. & Bingham, A. Community Childcare Providers’ Role in the Early Detection of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Early Childhood Educ J 35, 523–530 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-008-0243-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-008-0243-6

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