Starting April 1, Southeast Missouri State University’s Autism Center for Diagnosis and Treatment will expand the age range for which it can use the EarliPoint assessment system as part of autism assessments.
The EarliPoint system, uses eye-tracking technology to measure eye movements at a rate of 120 times per second and compares the data to thousands of measurements in clinically-validated, age-expected behavior. Previously, the system was limited to children up to 30 months old. Starting in April, EarliPoint at the SEMO Autism Center can be used as part of the evaluation process for children up to eight years of age. The center continues to diagnose individuals up to age 18. SEMO is the only provider in southeast Missouri using EarliPoint and was the first in Missouri to offer it commercially in 2024.
“This expansion is an important step in catching autism early and connecting children with the treatment and resources they need,” said Allie Bruner, MA, BCBA, LBA, director of the Autism Center. “The earlier a child is accurately diagnosed, the better the outcomes.”
During the evaluation, children watch about 15 minutes of videos while the system monitors which images capture and hold their attention. The resulting visual-attention data are analyzed, and a report is generated to support a comprehensive evaluation, alongside traditional tools such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), standardized questionnaires, and intelligence testing.
Bethany Rhodes, MA, CCC, SLP, a speech-language pathologist at the center, emphasized the center’s thorough approach.
“We also speak with teachers, counselors and pediatricians to get a complete picture,” said Rhodes. “Our goal is not just to diagnose autism but to identify what is not autism, ensuring every child receives the most accurate assessment possible.”
Rhodes added that autism assessments early are the best way to get children with and without autism, the best possible treatment.
“Because autism symptoms in young children can be confusing, evaluating children as soon as symptoms arise, oftentimes in toddlerhood, can help ensure treatment is started as early as possible,” said Rhodes.
The Autism Center also supports children whose symptoms may overlap with autism but do not meet the criteria for an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.
“We have a psychologist and a pediatrician on staff to identify other possible diagnoses,” said Bruner. “Our team works to provide a differential diagnosis when appropriate, so families leave with answers, support and connections to the right resources.”
The SEMO Autism Center’s mission is to provide quality, inclusive services that help individuals and families turn their potential into reality. April is Autism Awareness Month, making this a perfect time to expand access for children in need.
To schedule an evaluation, families must have a referral from a professional such as a doctor, therapist, teacher or daycare provider. For more information, call the Autism Center at (573) 986-4985 or visit semo.edu/autism-center.
About EarliPoint Health
EarliPoint Health is a health technology company transforming the standard of care for autism. Through FDA-authorized eye-tracking technology and visual attention biomarkers, EarliPoint provides objective, rapid assessments of social, verbal, and non-verbal skills in children as young as 16 months. The platform supports both early diagnosis and ongoing assessment, enabling more timely, personalized, and effective interventions. To learn more, visit earlipointhealth.com and connect with us on LinkedIn.