BELFAST — Families in the Midcoast region now have improved access to early autism screening and evaluation services, thanks to expanded diagnostic testing available at MaineHealth Pediatrics Belfast, located at 9 Fahy Street. The initiative focuses on identifying Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children under age three — "an important window when early intervention can significantly influence long-term development outcomes," said MaineHealth, in a news release.

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect behavior, communication and social interaction. Symptoms can range from mild to more significant; every child experiences ASD differently, according to MaineHealth.

“Early evaluation helps us better understand each child’s strengths and challenges,” said Carolyn Stwertka, MD, pediatrician at MaineHealth Pediatrics Belfast. “It’s not about labeling a child— it’s about identifying how we can best support them and connect families with the right resources as early as possible.”

Pediatric providers play a key role in early detection, according to the news release. Children are routinely screened for autism during well-child visits, often around 18 and 24 months of age, when early signs may first become apparent. The evaluation process begins with a conversation between providers and families about a child’s development, alongside input from caregivers and early childhood educators when available. If concerns are identified, pediatric providers can complete in-depth, play-based evaluations on site, reducing the need for families to travel long distances for specialty care and helping avoid extended wait times in screening.

“The earlier we begin supportive services, the better the outcomes for children,” said Dr. Stwertka. “Early intervention can make a meaningful difference in communication, learning and overall readiness for school.”

By offering screening and evaluation locally, MaineHealth Pediatrics Belfast can make timely referrals to early-intervention services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, applied behavior analysis (ABA) and specialized early-education support. The care team also collaborates with community programs to help families access appropriate resources.

MaineHealth Pediatrics Belfast is part of a unified practice with offices in Belfast and Rockport, located at 15 Anchor Drive, Suite 103, offering coordinated, team-based pediatric care designed to improve access for patients throughout Knox and Waldo counties. Providers work across both sites to ensure continuity and convenience, according to MaineHealth.

In addition to early autism screening and evaluation, the practice offers a full range of pediatric services, including well-child visits, immunizations, management of chronic health conditions, sick visits, developmental and behavioral concerns and school and sports physicals.

Dr. Stwertka is currently accepting new patients. For more information or to set up an appointment, please call 207-505-3600.

MaineHealth is a not-for-profit, integrated health system whose vision is, “Working together so our communities are the healthiest in America,” and is committed to a mission of providing high-quality affordable care, educating tomorrow's caregivers and researching better ways to provide care. MaineHealth includes a Level 1 trauma medical center, eight additional licensed hospitals, comprehensive pediatric care services, an extensive behavioral health care network, diagnostic services as well as home health, hospice and senior care services. With more than 2,000 employed providers and approximately 23,000 care team members, MaineHealth provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. MaineHealth hospitals include MaineHealth Behavioral Health at Spring Harbor in Westbrook, MaineHealth Franklin Hospital in Farmington, MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital in Damariscotta, MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Portland, Biddeford and Sanford, MaineHealth Memorial Hospital in North Conway, N.H., MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick, MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital in Rockport, MaineHealth Stephens Hospital in Norway and MaineHealth Waldo Hospital in Belfast. MaineHealth also includes the MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Portland, MaineHealth Behavioral Health in Westbrook, MaineHealth Home Health and Hospice in Saco, the MaineHealth Institute for Research in Scarborough, the MaineHealth Medical Group and MaineHealth NorDx in Scarborough. MaineHealth affiliates include MaineGeneral Health in Augusta and Waterville. It is also a significant stakeholder in the MaineHealth Accountable Care Organization in Portland and a joint venture partner in the New England Rehabilitation Hospital in Portland.