Wyoming has about 212 students, kindergarten through 12th grade, with undiagnosed autism, according to Dr. Diane Edwards, a Casper developmental pediatrician.

The figure is based on an estimate by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last year that suggested one in 150 8-year-olds have autism, a spectrum disorder defined by certain behaviors which can include communication difficulties, socialization and play differences, and unique interests.

"About 40 percent are undiagnosed and these kids will be hitting the schools," Edwards said.

Edwards will holding an autism screening event in Casper on Friday to identify more children and get them the help they need.

As a special education teacher at Crest Hill Elementary School, Lori Cimburek said it is a "huge help" when children have an early diagnosis and early intervention.

"The way you teach a child with autism is different from how you teach children with other disabilities," Cimburek said. "They learn routines at an early age, and if we can start services before these bad routines begin, we can be more successful."

The number of students with autism, especially those with high-functioning autism, has increased in the Natrona County School District, said Cimburek.

There is at least one in every school now, she said.

Edwards said diagnosing autism has changed.

Twenty years ago physicians identified autism only when it was coupled with mental retardation. Edwards said a majority of those with autism exhibit no retardation.

Ten years ago only special pediatric centers had diagnostic tools for autism.

In November 2007, the Academy of Pediatrics released standards that suggested pediatricians screen children at both 12 and 18 months of age. Edwards was on the committee that drafted the recommendations.

Children will either pass or fail the screening.

"If they fail, we will offer our services for diagnosis," Edwards said. "If it looks like autism, we will get them in services immediately."

Edwards places them in services right away even without the diagnosis because there is a two- to three-month waiting list to get into her office.

The actual diagnosis involves three or four sessions with Edwards.

The pediatrician said it is important parents alert both the children's teachers and other health care providers if they are diagnosed.

This is the second year Edwards has held a screening. About 75 percent of the 25 kids screened last year failed the initial screening. Edwards said the number was high because the screening involved mostly parents who were concerned their children had autism.

Even if a child is eventually diagnosed with autism, Edwards said there is a lot of hope the child will be a successful adult.

"The programs and outcomes are so much better than they had been in the past," Edwards said. "We are getting more services, and Wyoming is doing a really good job at pulling together to get a network of support for these kids."

Contact health reporter Allison Rupp at (307) 266-0534 or allison.rupp@trib.com.

If you go:

What: Free screenings for autism administered by Dr. Diane Edwards. Parents fill out a questionnaire while professionals observe the child playing. Autism is a spectrum disorder defined by certain behaviors which can include communication difficulties, socialization and play differences and unique interests.

When: April 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Developmental Pediatrics Services, 915 S. David St.

Who: Children should be screened twice at ages 12 and 18 months. Parents should bring their children if they haven't been screened. Parents of any aged child who suspect their child has autism should also attend the screening.

To schedule a screening appointment: Call Edwards' office at (307) 472-3769.

Other events

April is Autism Awareness Month. Here are some other events going on throughout the month:

Training conference

- Teachers, parents, therapists and others receive tools and answers to their questions that they can use to help children with autism April 28-30. Dr. Diane Edwards, a Casper developmental pediatrician, will lead the conference for the 14th year and this year's conference will include two other special education teachers. The three-day course costs $450 for professionals and $375 for parents. Call (307) 472-3769 to register by April 14.

Autism Night with the Wyoming Cavalry

- Children with autism and their families will be allowed to enter the Casper Events Center at 4 p.m., 3.5 hours before the Wyoming Cavalry's game on April 12. Argeri Layton, director of business operations for the Cavalry, said the team will offer activities for kids on the field. Layton said the "real gradual integration" for children with autism will help them enjoy the festivities surrounding the game. Children with autism often suffer from sensory overload and have trouble with crowds and loud noises. Contact the Wyoming Cavalry office at (307) 232-8170 for tickets.

Workshop

- A speech pathologist from New York, Dr. Barbara Bloomfield, will come to Casper to speak with professionals and parents about communication and social skills on April 21. Edwards says the primary problem faced by children with autism is communication. They don't know how to use communication to get help or make their needs known. The workshop runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It costs $175 for professionals and $150 for parents. Call (307) 472-3769 to register by April 14.