Episode Summary
We’re in the doctor’s office today with Dr. Kristin Sohl! In this episode of the Autism Blueprint Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Sohl, the founder of Echo Autism. We delved into the innovative program she developed in 2015, which connects general practitioners with autism specialists through video conferencing. This initiative aims to enhance access to best practices, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Dr. Sohl shared her insights on the importance of tailoring approaches to meet the unique needs of individuals on the autism spectrum and emphasized the value of presuming competence. We also discussed the challenges faced by educators and healthcare professionals in understanding autism and how Echo Autism fosters a collaborative learning environment for professionals to share experiences and strategies.
This episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in autism advocacy and the importance of community support.
Key Takeaways:
- An overview of the Echo Autism program and its mission to improve access to autism care.
- The significance of tailoring approaches to meet the individual needs of autistic individuals.
- The importance of presuming competence in autistic individuals and how it can impact their care.
- Insights into the challenges educators and healthcare professionals face in understanding autism.
- How Echo Autism creates a collaborative learning environment for professionals.
- Dr. Sohl’s heartfelt message to parents about their child’s potential and inherent value.
- The growth of Echo Autism from Missouri to approximately 60 U.S. institutions and 30 international locations.
Links
Link to the website: https://echoautism.org/
Facebook: @ECHO Autism Communities
Instagram: @echoautism
YouTube: @echoautism2548
X: @ECHOAutism
LinkedIn: @ECHO Autism
Meet Dr. Kristin Sohl
Dr. Kristin Sohl is a distinguished pediatrician and Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Missouri. As the Founder and Executive Director of ECHO Autism Communities, she spearheads efforts to improve access to high-quality screening, evaluation, and longitudinal support for individuals on the autism spectrum, particularly in underserved and rural populations. Under her leadership, ECHO Autism Communities has established partnerships with over 50 children’s hospitals and autism centers across the U.S. and 30 international locations, creating a vast network of professionals committed to enhancing autism and disability services and research.
An influential advocate for children’s health, Dr. Sohl serves organizations at the local, state and national level. She also serves as the Medical Director for the Missouri Telehealth Network and the MU Office of Continuing Education for Health Professions. Dr. Sohl earned her medical degree and completed her pediatric residency at the University of Missouri. She is passionate about engaging other healthcare professionals to elevate the discourse on children’s health and well-being.
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