MEET THE TEAM
MEET THE TEAM
MEET THE TEAM
SPEAKER | AUTHOR | MENTOR
Jay Barnett joined Inside Fitness 360 as a sought after youth leadership and mental well-being mentor. After his time in the NFL, Jay has made it his mission to lead and guide today's youth through group programs and curriculum while providing encouragement, tools, resources and the support needed to begin the journey of evolving into the young men and women they desire to be.
With over 10 years of highly skilled and acclaimed mentoring and success stories, public speaking, business experience and most importantly, real-life, his view is radically different. Jay appreciates and shares with his mentees that leadership is a moment to moment choice and not about title and position. Leadership is for everyone - it's a choice and it's how we should live our lives.
Also, as a leader in the community, Jay serves as the senior consultant and Master Teen Mentor with his Sugarland, Texas based organizations: The Me Project and The We Project which serves at risk teens, ages 13-18. Working with Jay, teens developed self-esteem, self-worth, value for their bodies and strong mindsets.
ACCOLADES
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Former NFL Athlete
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Author of best selling titles: Hello King and Letters to a Young Queen
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Actor: Signed, Sealed and Delivered
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Talk Show Host
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Black Enterprise Modern Man Ambassador - 2015
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Recognized by Tom Joyner for "Letters to a Young Queen" - 2016
Comprehensive Autism Evaluation
To Support Your Child's Development
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction. The symptoms and severity of ASD can vary widely, making it a "spectrum" condition. Children with ASD may have difficulty with verbal and non-verbal communication, may engage in repetitive behaviors, and often struggle with social interactions. Some children with ASD may also have unique strengths and abilities, such as exceptional skills in specific areas like math, music, or art.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults in the United States today.
We know that there is not one type of autism, but many
Autism looks different for everyone, and each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. Some autistic people can speak, while others are nonverbal or minimally verbal and communicate in other ways. Some have intellectual disabilities, while some do not. Some require significant support in their daily lives, while others need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently.
On average, autism is diagnosed around age 5 in the U.S., with signs appearing by age 2 or 3. Current diagnostic guidelines in the DSM-5-TR break down the ASD diagnosis into three levels based on the amount of support a person might need: level 1, level 2, and level 3. See more information about each level.
Does my child need to be evaluated for ASD?
FAQ
If you notice signs of developmental delay, communication issues, or behavioral differences, it is beneficial to seek an evaluation
1. What are the signs of ASD in young children?
- Common signs include lack of eye contact, delayed speech, repetitive behaviors, and social difficulties
2. How ling does the evaluation process take?
- The evaluation typically involves multiple sessions over a few weeks.
3. What can I expect during the evaluation?
- Expect detailed interviews, standardized questionnaires, and observational assessments.
4. What happens if my child is diagnosed with ASD?
A diagnosis can lead to personalized intervention plans, support services, and guidance on managing and improving your child's development.
1. Early Intervention:
Early intervention, which can significantly improve the development and quality of life for children with ASD. Early intervention programs are designed to address the specific needs of each child, helping them develop essential skills such as communication, social interaction, and adaptive behaviors.
2. Educational Planning
Tailored Education Plans: An early diagnosis enables parents and educators to create individualized education plans (IEPs) that cater to the child's unique learning needs. This tailored approach can help children with ASD succeed in school and beyond.
3. Family Support and Resources
Guidance and Counseling: Families of children diagnosed with ASD often benefit from guidance and counseling which can help them understand the condition and learn effective strategies for supporting their child. Early diagnosis provides families with access to these resources sooner, helping them navigate the challenges and opportunities associated with raising a child with ASD.
4. Better Long-term Outcomes
Lifelong Benefits: Research has shown that early intervention can lead to better long-term outcomes for children with ASD, including improved communication skills, social interactions, and overall quality of life. Early diagnosis sets the stage for these positive outcomes by enabling time and appropriate interventions.
5. Reducing Anxiety and Uncertainty
Clarity and Direction: for many parents, the ASD evaluation provides clarity and direction. It helps them understand their child's behaviors and challenges, reducing anxiety and uncertainty about the future. Knowing that their child has ASD allows parents to seek out the best possible support and resources to help their child thrive.
By understanding the nature of ASD and the importance of early evaluation about their child's care and development. Our evaluation service, which includes the ADOS and M-CHAT assessments, is designed to provide an accurate and comprehensive assessment, enabling families to access the support and resources they need as early as possible.
The importance of early intervention
What's an autism evaluation?
An autism evaluation assesses a child's social interactions, communication skills, and behavior patterns. A diagnosis made by an experienced clinician by the age of two is considered reliable. Early identification of autism is crucial, as it allows for the prompt initiation of treatment. Early intervention, which often involves psychosocial treatments, aims to enhance social and language skills and reduce behaviors that impede learning. Diagnosis is based on a child's developmental history and current social and communication behaviors. The evaluation process includes a comprehensive parent interview, developmental and/or neuropsychological testing, and the use of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2), which is regarded as the "gold standard" for autism assessment.
What to expect from an Autism Evaluation?
Our evaluations are approximately two hours. This is determined by the information gathered from PED (parent evaluation development status) as well as the patient’s tolerance level.
During your child’s autism evaluation, a ASDCS (Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist) will assess the following areas:
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Developmental & medical history
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Social skills & developmental behavior
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Emotional & behavioral functioning
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Communication & language ability
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Adaptive behavior
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Executive functioning
A feedback session with a typed final report consisting of findings, summary, diagnosis, and recommendations including potential resources, is also included.
It may be requested that the patient undergo a speech evaluation to assess for a specific communication disorder or genetic testing to rule out any genetic disorders attributing to exhibited behaviors. A neurological evaluation, a formal vision and/or hearing exam may also be recommended based on observed behaviors and information provided. Lastly, based on the patient’s behavior such as extensive mouthing and chewing of inedible objects, he/she may benefit from lead screening.
