The Saint Louis University Interdisciplinary Center for Autism Services opened in 2019 and provides medical diagnostic assessments of autism based on the DSM-V. Since the center opened, it was thought that there was an increase in referral ages, with more high school, college student, and young adult referrals. A review of the data from the center was conducted, looking at the intake forms from 2020-2024; specifically, the ages of individuals that were assessed. This showed an increase in the age of individuals seeking diagnostic services since the center opened. In 2020-21, the average age of individuals evaluated was 10.17, in 2021-2022, the average age was 12.68, in 2022-2023, the average age was 13 and in 2023-2024, the average age was 14.69. The number of individuals assessed over the age of 12 has also increased, with 2 (40%) being interviewed in 2020-2021, 9 (41%) in 2021-2022, 11 (48%) in 2022-2023, and 13 (56%) in 2023-2024. While the SLU Autism Center offers many resources for families and IEP consulting, these supports are not as relevant for those who are diagnosed at an older age; this is true for the broader Saint Louis area as well. From an occupational therapy perspective, evidence-based supports that could support individuals over the age of 12 diagnosed with ASD include group-based social skills training (Laugeson et al., 2015), teaching self-advocacy in different environments (Kirby et al., 2023), and transition to college support (White et al., 2017).

Dr. Zimmerman was very influential in the development of the presentation on the SLU Interdisciplinary Center for Autism Services and was the driving force behind researching the increasing referral age at the center and its implications. She is clearly passionate about pediatrics and occupational therapy, and is a very supportive and encouraging professor who cares deeply for her students.