Seeing a need for early autism detection, an MU program has decided to partner with the Women, Infants and Children program in St. Louis to give needy families important information regarding their child’s mental health.

According to a news release, the project’s goal is to increase awareness of the indicators of healthy child development among families in St. Louis who participate in WIC, a nutrition program that serves low-income pregnant women and mothers with children between birth and the age of four.

“Partnering with WIC allows us to work together for the same goals to promote the healthy development of young families,” MU Thompson Center project coordinator Lee Falk said in a news release. “When we talk one-on-one with families about their children’s milestones it takes some of the apprehension and fear out of addressing developmental disabilities in children. Families know and trust their local WIC staff, so this information is given and received in a very positive, non-threatening manner.”

WIC providers and Thompson Center staff are working with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to integrate the CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early” campaign.

According to the news release, the goals of the campaign are to “learn the signs of early childhood development, act early if there is concern and talk to your doctor.” The graphics and handouts provided by CDC prompt families to track social and emotional milestones as they take measurements for physical development, such as height and weight.

Janet Farmer, principal investigator on the project and director of academic programs at the Thompson Center, said initial responses from families involved have been positive. According to the news release, benefits for families include greater awareness, earlier screenings and earlier services for families who need it.

The project, which is funded by the United States. Maternal & Child Health Bureau, is one of four organizations nationwide to be selected to collaborate with the CDC.