DOUGLAS, Ga. (WALB) – Parents and educators in Coffee County say early action is changing lives.
By catching developmental delays sooner, local children are getting the support they need to thrive in school and beyond.
Experts and parents agree—getting your child tested early can make all the difference. An autism diagnosis isn’t something to fear; it’s the first step toward getting the support and tools your child may need to thrive. Whether the signs are big or small, professionals say early testing opens the door to resources that can change a child’s life.
“Ezra regressed, he stops speaking at one, he began to just hum all the time. And he quit making eye contact with me. He would not respond to his name by the time he was one and a half. And he was doing all those things, he just regressed,” said Jada Clark, Mother to Ezra.
Clark’s experience is not uncommon.
According to the CDC, about one in 36 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism—and many parents report noticing a loss of previously learned skills. Experts say regression like Ezra’s can be an early sign, and when paired with missed developmental milestones, it highlights the urgency of early screening.
“With it affecting their communication skills, their maybe social interactions their ability to participate in just daily activities, early detection is very important,” said Dr. Tonya Johnson Banks, Behavior Special Education Director.
While autism is present differently in every child, the impact can be far-reaching. From speech delays to sensory sensitivities, no two cases look the same, yet all benefit from the same first step: diagnosis.
Experts stress that identifying autism early opens the door to therapies that can support growth, independence, and better long-term outcomes.
Ezra is a level 3, so he is more severe. Where you have other children who are verbal, but may have sensory issues. Get that diagnosis and don’t be scared and definitely get them that help. Because it will help you in the long run. The later you wait the worse it can be.
In Coffee County, efforts to detect autism earlier are an attempt to make a difference by helping children like Ezra find their voice and their path forward. Because when it comes to a child’s future, early action isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
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