What was First S.T.E.P.?

First S.T.E.P. (Screening, Training, Education Project) was originally a project aimed to increase the early identification of children with autism spectrum disorders and the provision of support services for families with children with this diagnosis.

***Due to the overwhelming positive response to our original screening project, we've expanded First S.T.E.P. into a comprehensive autism assessment clinic***. Click here for more information about our new assessment clinic.

Original Project Description

Community Outreach and Education
The project conducted outreach to Health Care Professionals, Educators and Parents to facilitate earlier identification of children with ASD. This included providing presentations to interested parties on the early characteristics of ASD and related disorders, distributing posters and flyers (in English and Spanish) and participation at local fairs and festivals.

Developmental Screenings
Screenings were conducted with all referred children for the early behavioral characteristics of autism and related disabilities.

Family Support
Family support was provided for all families who participated in the screenings through information, referrals, and short-term intervention services. The program was available to children under the age of six residing in Santa Barbara County.