4/23/24

By FHSU University Communications

HAYS, Kan. - The Herndon Clinic hosted the University of Kansas outreach team April 11 and 12, providing essential free autism evaluations and audiology screenings to children from Hays and the surrounding area. This event marked a significant return for the clinic, as it was the first of its kind since the onset of the pandemic.

Over the course of the two days, the collaborative effort between the Herndon Clinic and the K.U. outreach team resulted in 10 completed evaluations. The clinic, which had been offering these services annually prior to the pandemic, resumed its crucial role in supporting the community’s healthcare needs.

Students from FHSU’s Communication Sciences and Disorder program and Psychology Department observed the sessions remotely via the VALT recording system, fostering valuable learning experiences.

“Our faculty and students really appreciated the opportunity to collaborate with KU’s outreach team,” said Dr. Karmen Porter, Chair and Associate Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders. “Those who observed really benefited from the opportunity to learn more about the interprofessional evaluation process for diagnosing autism firsthand. We hope this successful endeavor can lead to future collaborations that benefit our students and community.”      

The outreach clinic addressed a gap in services available in the Hays community, where a dedicated team for full autism evaluations is lacking. Families in the area used the opportunity to access services locally, sparing them the expense and inconvenience of traveling for screenings. Because the services were free of charge, it helped alleviate financial burdens for those who may have delayed screenings due to cost concerns.

For more information about the Herndon Clinic and its services, please visit https://www.fhsu.edu/commsciencesanddisorders/herndon-clinic/