1. Rad kat B A Y C T H E R S
Kayci
Training and Support for Early Identification of Autism in Early Intervention Systems
Dallin Burgon, Athena Carolan, Kayci Lynam,
Ashley Stevens, Rebecca West
Faculty Mentor: Terisa Gabrielson
URLEND LEADERSHIP PROJECT 2015

2. So where do we go??? What we already know:
Autism may be detected as young as 18 months of age
Utah had the lowest rate (33%) of early identification of ASD (ADDM; Biao, 2014)
A diagnosis of ASD at age 2 is generally stable into the school age years (Guthrie et al., 2013).
There are many benefits to early intervention
Many children do not receive a diagnosis until they are older (Median age=48 months)
Diagnosis is a two step process: screening and a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation
Ashley
So where do we go???

3. AAP Screening Guidelines
All children should be screened for developmental delays and disabilities during their regular well-child visits at: 9, 18, and 24 or 30 months
In addition, all children should be screened for ASD during their regular well-child visits at 18 and 24 months or if the child is at high risk for ASD (sibling with an ASD; parent expresses concern)
Screening is to be conducted using a standardized developmental tool and should be completed whether or not concern has been expressed
Ashley

4. Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT-R)(Robins et al
Reliable and valid measure
Adequate sensitivity and specificity
One of the most widely used screening measures in U.S. and internationally
Available to clinicians, researchers, educators, and parents free of cost
20 yes/no questions
Takes 5-10 minutes to complete
Children are classified into one of three risk ranges (low, medium, high)
Follow up questions for those in the medium risk range
Ashley

5. We were curious…what are current screening practices like in Utah’s Early Intervention Program?
Fall 2014: Developed an informal survey for EI providers
Winter 2014: Expanded the survey to fit a broader audience
Spring 2015: Survey was sent out to EI providers across the state
Athena

6. Sample Questionnaire Items
What training have you received on using the M-CHAT or other autism screening tools?
Does your E.I. program currently use any autism screeners?
What concerns do you have about screening for autism?
What does your program do well in terms of early identification of autism?
What kind of local resources are available for evaluation and treatment of autism?
What do you consider to be the most reliable signs that a child may have autism?
Athena

7. Results
Total surveys completed: 117
Athena

8. Results

9. Inconsistency of autism symptoms in the early years was rated as impacting the providers ability to identify autism the most
On a scale of 1 to 5, the mean response to the question “I would like more training around early identification of autism” was 4.11.
Locating follow up resources, identifying signs and symptoms, talking to parents about autism, and using an autism screening tool were identified as the areas in which interest in additional training were requested most frequently.

10. Project Aims
Aim 1: Develop a statewide network of partners for on-going support of this project Aim 2: Evaluate current screening practices for ASD within EI in the state of Utah Aim 3: Design a training program to address training needs to increase early identification of ASD in children 3 years and younger

11. Utah Network for Early Autism Response (UNEAR)
Early Childhood Utah

12. URLEND Team’s Accomplishments
Updated Fast Start Checklist for Autism Council of Utah
Developed advertising material for UNEAR training
Identified 6 locations and coordinated dates for UNEAR trainings
Identified multiple sources of financial and resource support for the trainings
Coordinated CME credit
Arranged and coordinated speakers for the UNEAR training
Developed training materials
Will present UNEAR training at the International Meeting for Autism Research Preconference on May 13th

13. UNEAR Training Target Participants
EI Professionals
Pediatricians
Family Physicians
Physician assistants
Nurses
Social workers
Psychologists
Speech-language pathologists
Preschool professionals