Golisano Children’s Hospital offering free autism screenings for children

Golisano Children’s Hospital has partnered with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida to provide free autism spectrum disorder screenings for children.

The hospital says the screenings are for toddlers and children between 18 months and five years old.

If you want your child screened, the next free screening is on June 17, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Pediatric Specialist Office at 15901 Bass Rd, Suite 102 in Fort Myers.

Golisano Children’s Hospital says an estimated one in every 44 children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined.

Autism screening at Golisano is conducted by an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse trained to diagnose child developmental disorders.

Golisano says a physician referral is not required. If you would like to schedule a screening, you can call 239-343-6838.