Jefferson City, Missouri – Families in Mid-Missouri now have expanded access to autism diagnostic services as Dr. Aaron McLaughlin, pediatrics, has begun offering Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) testing at SSM Health Medical Group - Pediatrics in Jefferson City.
ADOS is widely recognized as the gold-standard observational assessment used by clinicians to help diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The addition of this service addresses a significant community need for comprehensive autism evaluations and provides families with greater access to specialized care closer to home.
“Early identification and diagnosis can play a critical role in helping children access support and resources,” said Dr. Aaron McLaughlin. “I am honored to provide this service for children and families throughout our region and to support them through compassionate, patient-centered care.”
Dr. McLaughlin will conduct ADOS evaluations for children 31 months of age and older. The assessment process consists of two one-hour appointments: an initial observation appointment followed by a second visit to review results and discuss a diagnosis, when appropriate.
A specialist in developmental and neurological care, Dr. McLaughlin has extensive experience in caring for children with autism and neurodevelopmental conditions. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis, received his medical degree from the University of Missouri, and completed a pediatrics residency at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. He later completed a fellowship in neurodevelopmental disabilities at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Most recently, he served as Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics in the Division of Developmental Medicine at Indiana University from 2022 to 2025.
Board certified in pediatrics and child neurology, Dr. McLaughlin has more than seven years of experience caring for children with autism and is passionate about supporting families through early intervention and individualized care.
Healthcare providers, educators, child advocates, caregivers and parents seeking autism diagnostic services are encouraged to learn more about ADOS testing and referral options through SSM Health Medical Group - Pediatrics. To learn more or to schedule an appointment in Dr. McLaughlin’s office at 3348 American Avenue in Jefferson City, please call 573-761-7210.
About SSM Health
SSM Health is a Catholic, not-for-profit health system serving the comprehensive health needs of communities across the Midwest through a robust and fully integrated health care delivery system. The organization’s 40,000 team members and more than 13,900 providers are committed to providing exceptional health care services and revealing God’s healing presence to everyone they serve.
With care delivery sites in Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma and Wisconsin, SSM Health includes 23 hospitals, more than 300 physician offices and other outpatient and virtual care services, 13 post-acute facilities, comprehensive home care and hospice services, a pharmacy benefit company, a health insurance company and an accountable care organization. It is one of the largest employers in every community it serves. For more information, visit ssmhealth.com or find us on Facebook and Twitter.
SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Jefferson City has been a part of the Mid-Missouri community since 1905. In 2014, the hospital moved to its new, state-of-the art facility with spacious private rooms, an expanded emergency department, an Outpatient Surgery Center and the Blessed Beginnings Family Birth Center, the premier birthing center for Mid-Missouri. The hospital has been recognized with numerous awards for its unique design based on the latest research in patient safety and efficiency of care. It also regularly receives national recognition for delivering outstanding patient experience.
For more information, visit us at ssmhealth.com or find us on Facebook and Twitter.
