An SRT Model for Early Access to ASD Intervention

Although caregivers often become concerned about their child by 17-19 months of age, children
do not typically receive a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) until they are 4½
years old, or older for Hispanic families. It is now well documented that early participation
in ASD-specialized intervention can lead to significant improvements in skills and behavior
for toddlers with ASD. However, despite the availability of publicly funded Part C early
intervention (EI) services, long waits for a formal ASD diagnosis can prevent toddlers from
receiving appropriately specialized intervention during the critical birth-to-three years. In
addition, caregivers concerned about ASD experience high levels of uncertainty and stress
during this waiting period. This project will implement and evaluate an innovative healthcare
service delivery model designed to promote earlier access to specialized intervention for
toddlers with ASD. The Screen-Refer-Treat (SRT) model provides a coordinated and
cost-effective approach to early identification and intervention by involving both medical
and EI providers, and represents a practical and sustainable strategy for bridging the gap
between ASD concerns and ASD intervention. The SRT model, which builds on the availability of
validated ASD screening tools and low-cost behaviorally-based ASD interventions, will be
implemented in four diverse communities across Washington State to evaluate changes in
service delivery practices for toddlers with Hispanic as well as Non-Hispanic backgrounds.
The SRT model comprises three components: (1) universal ASD screening at 16-20 months and
prompt referral to EI programs by primary care physicians (PCPs); (2) expedited ASD
assessments within EI programs; and (3) use of an inexpensive, evidence-based ASD-specialized
intervention by EI providers. An electronic version of the Modified Checklist for Autism
(M-CHAT) with automated scoring that incorporates relevant follow-up questions will be
provided to PCP practices, and distance coaching via telemedicine will be available to EI
providers to support their ASD assessment and intervention activities. A stepped wedge
cluster RCT design will be used to evaluate implementation and outcomes of the SRT model.
Data on screening, referral, assessment, and intervention practices will be collected from 40
PCPs and 80 EI providers across the state prior to and following SRT implementation to
identify practice changes. In addition, separate samples of caregivers of toddlers with ASD
concerns (n=245) will be recruited from communities before and after SRT implementation and
followed prospectively to measure differences and changes over time in caregiver wellbeing,
parenting efficacy, satisfaction with healthcare systems, and toddler's social-communicative
behaviors. We predict that implementation of the SRT model will be associated with higher
rates of ASD screening by PCPs, earlier referral to EI programs, earlier initiation of
ASD-specialized intervention, reduced time between ASD concerns and diagnosis, and improved
caregiver and child outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

PCPs:

-PCPs must work at a participating primary care practice.

EI Providers:

-EI providers must work at a participating early intervention agency.

Caregivers and Toddlers:

To be categorized as part of the ASD Concerns Sample recruited from PCP offices:

- Toddlers must demonstrate ASD risk/concern by meeting at least one of the following
criteria: (1) behaviorally-based caregiver concerns about the presence of ASD; (2)
behaviorally-based PCP concerns about the presence of ASD; (3) having an older sibling
with an ASD diagnosis; or (4) screening positive for ASD on a validated screening
tool.

- Toddlers must be between 16-20 months of age

To be categorized as part of the No ASD Concerns Sample recruited from PCP offices:

- Toddlers must be between 16-20 months of age

To be categorized as part of the ASD Dx/ASD Concerns Sample recruited from EI agencies:

- Toddlers must demonstrate ASD risk/concern by meeting at least one of the following
criteria: (1) behaviorally-based caregiver concerns about the presence of ASD; (2)
behaviorally-based PCP concerns about the presence of ASD; (3) having an older sibling
with an ASD diagnosis; (4) screening positive for ASD on a validated screening tool;
or (5) parent-report of an ASD diagnosis.

- Toddlers must be between 16-30 months of age

Exclusion Criteria:

-There are no exclusion criteria for PCPs or EI providers.

Caregivers/toddlers meeting the inclusion criteria described above will be excluded if the
caregiver:

-reports that the toddler has any severe visual, auditory, or physical impairments, and/or
serious medical, genetic, or neurological disorders