News

Grande Ronde Hospital Autism Services helps children on the spectrum make meaningful progress

By Trish Yerges, for Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 31 eight-year-old children in the United States has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological and developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, learns, and interacts with others. It’s called a “spectrum” because symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Signs often appear within the first two years of life and may include delayed speech, limited eye contact, difficulty responding to social cues, reduced facial expressions, or repetitive movements such as rocking.
If your child exhibits delays in communication, learning, or social development, your first step should be to consult with your primary healthcare provider. They can refer you to a GRH pediatrician for an ASD evaluation. (Note: a referral for diagnostic evaluation must come from a provider within the GRH network of clinics, but referrals for physical, occupational, and speech therapy could come from any provider.)

Getting Answers Early
Dr. Aaron Grigg, a pediatrician at the GRH Women’s and Children’s Clinic, has worked with autistic children for more than 16 years. He emphasized the importance of timely evaluation.
“I have seen wait times for autism diagnoses stretch from months to years—sometimes 18 months or more just to be seen,” Grigg explained. “Meanwhile, precious time for early intervention was lost.”
At GRH, however, those delays are much shorter. “We prioritize younger kids because the tools we use are most effective in early childhood,” he said. “When we can diagnose early, children can access services sooner and make greater progress.”
The evaluation process involves more than one visit. The first appointment, known as the DSM-5 visit, typically lasts about an hour to review the developmental history. For children ages 24–36 months, Grigg uses the Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children (STAT), a 20-minute interactive test with activities that measure behavior.
“If the STAT is positive, it indicates the need for a full diagnostic assessment,” Grigg said.
Importantly, a child does not need an autism diagnosis to access GRH therapy services. Any provider can refer patients to occupational, physical, or speech therapy for support, and insurance often covers these therapies without an ASD diagnosis. However, a formal diagnosis may open doors to additional benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Insurance, or funding for specialized equipment.

Occupational Therapy Focus
At the GRH Therapy & Sports Medicine building on Sunset Drive in La Grande, Occupational Therapist Marci Clarke supports autistic children referred for therapy.
“We see kids across the spectrum,” Clarke said. “Many of the children I work with are nonverbal and struggle with sensory regulation, which makes it difficult to participate with peers, family, or even their surroundings.”
Therapy sessions often focus on developing attention and engagement skills by enhancing modulation and sensory integration, enabling children to interact more effectively with their environment and those around them. Families are coached on ways to carry therapy techniques into daily life, ensuring progress continues outside the clinic.

Speech Therapy Focus
Speech Pathologist Jenn Owens works alongside Clarke to help children find ways to communicate effectively.
“Our focus is helping kids communicate in their natural environment—whether that’s through speech or by using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices,” Owens said. “These high-tech tools bridge the gap for children who can’t yet communicate verbally.”
Owens emphasized that early intervention is especially valuable. “Ideally, we start before kindergarten. But new challenges can appear as children grow, so we often see kids return for additional therapy at different stages of life,” she explained.

A Path Toward Progress
Therapy appointments are typically one hour and may be scheduled weekly or less often, depending on the child’s needs. Referrals come through the pediatrician, and for many families, that first appointment marks the start of meaningful progress.