Children in rural Georgia now have earlier access to autism diagnosis, which is an important step that can change the trajectory of a child’s life.
With assistance from the state, the Mercer University School of Medicine Early Autism Detection Program is expanding access to timely, evidence-based autism evaluations for families in rural communities, bringing high-quality care closer to home. The project is led by Mercer University School of Medicine with collaboration from the Marcus Autism Center, Georgia Department of Public Health, and Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. Together, these partners are working to identify autism spectrum disorder earlier, when intervention can have the greatest impact.
For many children, autism is not officially diagnosed until they reach school age. By then, opportunities for early intervention may have been missed. Research shows that when autism is identified before age 3, children can make meaningful gains in communication, learning and social development that can shape their long-term outcomes.
The delay in diagnosis is largely due to the lack of access to expert clinicians with the ability to test a child. Without a diagnosis, a child is not eligible for services that would be helpful.
A new path to earlier diagnosis
At the center of this effort is the EarliPoint™ Evaluation, an innovative diagnostic tool designed for children between 16 months and 30 months of age. Using eye-tracking technology and biomarker-based measurements, EarliPoint evaluates a child’s looking behavior to provide objective data that supports early, accurate autism diagnosis. EarliPoint has been proven to be as accurate as the established testing and interpretation processes currently in use. Because of this, the device is now an official diagnostic tool approved by the Georgia Department of Community Health and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. While the device provides a critical diagnosis, interaction with a qualified health professional remains essential to guide a child and family toward appropriate next steps and supportive resources.
“Autism is not a disease. It’s a genetic trait,” said Dr. Ami Klin, director of Marcus Autism Center and scientist and co-founder of EarliPoint. “When we diagnose early, we’re not treating autism itself. We’re helping prevent secondary challenges like language delays, intellectual disability and severe behavioral difficulties. Early access to care can make a lifelong difference.”
Until now, families in rural areas often faced long waitlists or had to travel far from home to pursue evaluation.
“Making this diagnostic tool available locally really changes access to care for families in rural communities,” said Krista Kelly with the Babies Can’t Wait program in Dublin. “There was nothing here before. Having this test available lets families know their fears and concerns are seen.”
Babies Can’t Wait is Georgia’s early intervention program for infants and toddlers from birth to age 3 with developmental delays or special needs. As part of this project, Babies Can’t Wait supports the timely arrangement of early intervention services for participating children.
Increasing access to early autism diagnosis in rural communities
“Families in rural Georgia deserve the same timely access to diagnosis and care as families in larger cities,” said Jean R. Sumner, M.D., MACP, dean of Mercer University School of Medicine. “By bringing this diagnostic tool into local clinics, we are reducing barriers to care and helping children receive support earlier when it can have the greatest impact. Included in this effort is ongoing education, at no cost, for physicians and their advanced practice staff. We are honored to lead this important effort and work with such talented partners.”
Mercer’s Early Autism Detection Program is available to patients referred by providers in Laurens, Monroe and Washington counties, with referrals also accepted from nearby communities. While referrals may come from a broader service area, all testing is completed at the sites listed below:
- Children and Youth with Special Needs Office in Dublin
- Children’s Healthcare Center of Sandersville
- Primary Care Pediatrics in Forsyth
Lindsay Kinnebrew, M.D., a primary care physician at Primary Care Pediatrics in Forsyth, said EarliPoint fills a critical gap in care.
“The EarliPoint test could be a game changer,” Dr. Kinnebrew said. “Often, we have a six- to 12-month waiting list for autism evaluations. With this tool, if a child tests positive, I can immediately refer them for early intervention therapies like applied behavior analysis, speech therapy and occupational therapy.”
If a child receives a positive result, providers can make referrals for early intervention services. If the result is negative but developmental concerns remain, additional clinical evaluation may still be recommended.
“When I learned the test could be done in my office by a trained technician — not a developmental pediatrician — I was really excited,” Dr. Kinnebrew said. “The algorithm has been tested and proven, and the data shows this is a reliable diagnostic tool.”
Why early detection matters
Autism is a developmental condition that affects communication, behavior and social interaction. It is something a child is born with. It is not caused by parenting or environmental factors, and it is not something to be cured.
Because autism exists on a spectrum, every child experiences it differently. Early diagnosis allows families to begin individualized therapies that support how each child learns and grows.
Early intervention can improve:
- Language and communication skills
- Emotional regulation and coping
- Social interaction and play
- Physical coordination and motor skills
- Cognitive development
Insurance coverage for these therapies typically requires an official diagnosis. By identifying autism before age 3, children can benefit from therapies like applied behavior analysis during a period of high brain plasticity, when learning new skills is most effective.
What parents should know and do
If differences are observed in how a child plays, communicates, learns or interacts with others, parents should be encouraged to trust and share their observations. Parental concerns are often the earliest and most reliable indicators that further developmental evaluation may be warranted.
When discussing concerns with a pediatrician or primary care provider, parents should:
- Provide specific examples of behaviors that raise concern
- Identify developmental milestones that appear delayed
- Describe the settings in which behaviors are most apparent, such as childcare or social environments
- Request referral for the EarliPoint Evaluation when appropriate
The project covers the cost of the diagnostic test for referred children. It does not cover therapy services after diagnosis, but it helps families take the critical first step toward accessing care.
For parents who worry that a diagnosis may label their child, Kelly of Babies Can’t Wait offers reassurance.
“It’s not about labels,” she said. “It’s about early intervention. You’re getting ahead of the game, so your child isn’t struggling later when they start school.”
To learn more about Mercer’s Early Autism Detection Program and participating locations, email asd@mercer.edu.