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Identifying children with ASD within the Early Intervention system in Utah is complicated by challenges associated with rural areas, limited funding, interagency cooperation challenges, young age of the population served.

Utah had the lowest rate (33%) of ASD identification before age 3 (ADDM; Biao, 2014)

Reasons for this low rate are unclear, as Utah has a high prevalence rate (1:54).

ASD diagnosis < age 2 has been shown to be stable (Corsello, Akshoomoff, & Stahmer, 2013; Guthrie, Swineford, Nottke & Wetherby, 2013).

Utahs median age for diagnosis is 53 months (Biao, 2014), with only 42% of children identified before 48 months.

Documentation of developmental concerns within early intervention agencies, pediatric health care, and early education systems occurs at a high rate (88% by age 3).

ASD diagnoses or comprehensive evaluations, however, are not being documented at an expected rate.

There is a strong need to increase the percentage of children identified before age 3 for optimum treatment of ASD.

Development of an autism specific training for EI providers is a critical need for Utah.

Following a needs assessment, a training program in evidence-based practices was conceived as a way to remedy the low rate of identification.

Primary needs identified: Identifying signs and symptoms of ASD

Inconsistency of autism symptoms in the early years was rated as impacting the providers ability to identify autism the most

Using a screening tool A majority of respondents (50%) have

had little to no training on the M-CHAT and 35% of respondents reported that they currently do not screen for autism.

Locating follow-up resources in the community

How to talk to parents about ASD concerns

Potential Impact Creating a successful model or pathway to

accomplish goals of earlier identification may be beneficial to other states grappling with similar problems of implementation.

The value of earlier identification of autism spectrum disorder has long been known, but multiple barriers involving system boundaries, demographics, lack of expertise, and fiscal constraints have stood in the way of systematic early identification. Partnering across institutional and agency lines can be a way to remove barriers.

Training and Support for Early Identification of Autism: Creating the Utah Network for Early Autism Response

Terisa Gabrielsen1,3, Stacy S. Manwaring2, Teresa Cardon5, Sean Cunningham2, Aaron Fischer2, Ashley L. Stevens1,2, Athena Carolan1,2, Rebecca West1,4, Dallin Burgon1,2, Kayci Lynam1

1 URLEND, 2University of Utah, 3Brigham Young University, 4Utah State University, 5Utah Valley University

References Baio, J. (2014). Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among

Children Aged 8 Years Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network,11 Sites, United States, 2010 Surveillance Summaries. MMWR, 63(2).

Corsello CM, Akshoomoff N, Stahmer AC. (2013) Diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders in 2-year-olds: A study of community practice. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 54:178-85.

Guthrie, W, Swineford, LB, Nottke, C, & Wetherby, AM, (2013). Early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder: Stability and change in clinical diagnosis and symptom presentation. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 54(5), 582-590.

Introduction

Training Curriculum Early Development: Differentiating ASD from other

Developmental Delays, Stacy S. Manwaring, PhD, CCC-SLP

Autism Screening and Detecting Early Signs, Terisa Gabrielsen, PhD, NCSP

Next Steps After Screening: Diagnostic Referrals, Follow Up Within Systems, Sean Cunningham, PhD, NCSP

Coaching Caregivers in Home-Based Strategies and Interventions Caregiver Assessment of Routines & Activities, Video Modeling, etc. Teresa Cardon, PhD, CCC-SLP

Evidence-Based Behavioral Treatment Planning for Providers and Caregivers and Tele-consultation Follow Up Systems, Aaron J. Fischer, PhD, BCBA-D

Monthly follow-up using an ECHO-type model of teleconsultation on Utah Education Network (UEN) or Utah Telehealth Network (UTN)

Data Collection Outcome data surrounding early screening rates in Utah

will be measured via the Utah Registry for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (URADD) and BTOTS (Early Intervention data collection system).

Project Aims

Aim 1: Increase the rate of screening for ASD within EI in the state of Utah.

Implement a screening protocol for children

utilizing the American Academy of Pediatrics risk factors.

Implement a protocol for next steps following a positive screen.

Aim 2: Provide information on evidence-based

treatments for ASD to EI providers

Provide research summaries on a variety of evidence-based treatment recommendations

Provide a model for designing Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs) to meet the needs of children with ASD.

Aim 3: Address training needs to increase early identification of ASD in children 3 years and younger. Deliver training on early signs and symptoms of

ASD to EI, preschool, and other community providers.

Deliver training and protocols for talking with parents about ASD symptoms, screening, and next steps when ASD is suspected or confirmed.

Aim 4: Pilot a consultation network to facilitate ongoing early identification training and support needs for EI providers.

UNEAR Network

Utah Network for

Early Autism

Response

Forming Partner-

ships

Earlier Identification and Support for Families

and Providers

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