Free autism screening available for children at Miromar Outlets Friday

A free autism screening for children will be available in Estero at Miromar Outlets December 7.

Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, in partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Southwest Florida, offers a free monthly autism spectrum disorder screening for toddlers 18 months to five years of age.

It is estimated that one in every 59 children is diagnosed with some form of Autism Spectrum Disorder, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined, according to a Lee Health press release.

Medical consultants for the project stress that an early diagnosis can make a vast difference for toddlers and their families. They say early intensive behavioral intervention can make an immense difference not just in the development of the child, but in their families as well, the release said.

The ASD screening is conducted by the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. The screenings are administered by an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner, who has extensive training and experience in typical child development and developmental disorders.

The next screening on the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile will be held on December 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Miromar Outlets, 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero.

A physician referral is not required. To schedule a screening, please call 239-343-6838.