Policy and Practice Barriers to Early Identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the California Early Intervention System

Providing intensive early intervention is critical to maximizing outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and evidence suggests that the earlier intervention can begin, the better the outcome. The first purpose of this article is to review the earliest indicators of ASD in very young children—social and communication impairments—which have important implications for early identification. The second purpose is to review evidence-based intervention practices for children with ASD and to develop a set of guiding principles for providing intervention for infants and toddlers who are at risk for ASD. Issues that are delineated include providing intervention in natural environments, supporting families in early intervention, and embedding intervention in daily routines.

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Balancing Fidelity and Flexibility: Usual Care for Young Children With an Increased Likelihood of Having Autism Spectrum Disorder Within an Early Intervention System

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders ◽

10.1007/s10803-021-04882-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Katherine Pickard ◽

Hannah Mellman ◽

Kyle Frost ◽

Judy Reaven ◽

Brooke Ingersoll

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Early Intervention ◽

Young Children ◽

Usual Care ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Early Intervention System

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Parents’ Perceptions of Early Interventions and Related Services for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Saudi Arabia

International Education Studies ◽

10.5539/ies.v9n10p128 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. 128 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Faihan Alotaibi ◽

Nabil Almalki

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Saudi Arabia ◽

Early Intervention ◽

Children With Autism ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Early Interventions ◽

Related Services ◽

Children With Asd ◽

The Government

<p class="apa">The present study sought to examine parents’ perceptions of early interventions and related services for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Saudi Arabia. In this study a survey was distributed to a sample of 80 parents with children who have ASD. Parents also were asked open-ended questions to enable them to provide suggestions. The findings indicate that parents have varying perceptions of early interventions and related services. However, they seem to agree that these services are important in assisting their children. Accordingly, parents have suggested that the government needs to increase these services by providing more centers for children with ASD in Saudi Arabia, providing more specialists to deal with children with ASD, promoting inclusion in regular schools and providing more information on early intervention.</p>

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Parental evaluation of a revised autism spectrum disorder diagnostic process for children under 36 months of age

Paediatrics & Child Health ◽

10.1093/pch/pxaa130 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jean-François Lemay ◽

Shauna Langenberger ◽

Scott McLeod

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Early Intervention ◽

Parent Education ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Diagnostic Process ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

High Level

Abstract Background The Alberta Children’s Hospital-Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Clinic (ACH-ASDC) was restructured due to long wait times and unsustainable clinic workflow. Major changes included the initiation of pre- and post-ASD parent education sessions and distinct ASD screening appointments before the ASD diagnostic appointment. Methods We conducted a parental program evaluation in summer 2018 of the ACH-ASDC. We used a cross-sectional survey to evaluate key outcomes including parental satisfaction, and the percentage of families obtaining access to government supports and early intervention programs. Results For the 101 eligible patients diagnosed with ASD under 36 months of age 70 (69.3%) parents agreed to participate. The mean diagnostic age of the children diagnosed with ASD was 30.6 months (SD=4.1 months). There were no statistically significant age differences between biological sexes. Ninety-three per cent of parents felt that ASD educational sessions were useful, and 92% of parents were satisfied to very satisfied with the overall ASD diagnostic process. Ninety per cent of parents had access to at least one of the key resources available for ASD early intervention in our province following diagnosis. Parents reported a positive impact on intervention provided to their child in the areas of communication, social interaction, and behaviour. Conclusion Parents of children diagnosed with ASD expressed a high level of satisfaction with the restructured ACH-ASDC process. Implementing parent education sessions was well received and met parents’ needs. Parents were able to access intervention services following diagnosis and reported positive impacts for their child. Re-envisioning program approaches to incorporate novel strategies to support families should be encouraged.

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