Developing the Autism Model of Implementation for autism spectrum disorder community providers: study protocol

Area of Science:

• Implementation Science
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Research
• Community-Based Interventions

Background:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects 1 in 88 children, with annual treatment costs reaching $126 billion.
• Autism Community Providers (ASD-CPs) often use a mix of evidence-based and non-evidence-based treatments.
• Barriers to implementing evidence-based practices (EBPs) by ASD-CPs are not fully understood, hindering effective treatment for children with ASD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and test the feasibility and acceptability of the Autism Model of Implementation (AMI).
• To support ASD-CPs in the successful implementation of EBPs.
• To improve treatment outcomes for children with ASD and support their families.

Main Methods:

• An academic-community collaboration partnered with ASD-CPs to develop the AMI.
• A mixed-methods approach was used to identify barriers and facilitators to EBP implementation.
• The AMI was pilot-tested for feasibility and acceptability using an EBP for anxiety in school-aged children with ASD.

Main Results:

• The study developed the Autism Model of Implementation (AMI).
• The AMI is designed to address specific barriers and facilitators within ASD-CP settings.
• Pilot testing assessed the AMI's feasibility and acceptability.

Conclusions:

• The AMI offers a data-informed model tailored for ASD-CPs to enhance EBP implementation.
• This model addresses real-world challenges in community-based autism services.
• The AMI is expected to improve the quality of care for children with ASD and contribute to implementation science.