First ST.E.P. (Screening, Training, Education Project) aims to increase the early identification of children with autism spectrum disorders and the provision of support services for families with children with this diagnosis.

Community Outreach and Education
The project conducts outreach to Health Care Professionals, Educators and Parents to facilitate earlier identification of children with ASD. This includes 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, at no cost to the families, are conducted with all referred children for the early behavioral characteristics of autism and related disabilities.

Family Support
Family support is provided for all families who participate in the screenings through information, referrals, and short-term intervention services.

The program is available to children under the age of six residing in Santa Barbara County.

 

Click here for more information on First S.T.E.P. (PDF format)