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Updated: Jan 20, 2026
Behavioral Tests to Assess Executive Functions in Children with ASD
Published on: April 30, 2023
Increasing Access to Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Consultation in Rural and Underserved Communities:
Jeffrey F Hine1,2, Jessica Allin3, Angela Allman3
1Department of Pediatrics, The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN.
Insights
A streamlined autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnostic model in primary care significantly cut wait times for diagnosis. This approach improves early identification and access to crucial early intervention services for young children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
Background:
- Preliminary research shows streamlined diagnostic models in primary care (PC) improve early identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- This model reduces diagnostic wait times, increases satisfaction, and decreases referrals to tertiary centers.
- The current study evaluates this model in diverse PC clinics serving rural and underserved populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of a streamlined ASD diagnostic model implemented in primary care clinics.
- To provide data on the model's effectiveness before and after implementation in diverse settings.
- To evaluate changes in diagnostic wait times for young children.
Main Methods:
- A streamlined assessment protocol including record review, interviews, rating scales, and a screening tool was used.
- Eighty children aged 19-47 months were assessed across five diverse primary care clinics.
- Data were collected via chart review to analyze diagnostic timelines.
Main Results:
- Implementation of the streamlined model significantly decreased the average time to diagnosis from 144.7 to 49.9 days.
- PC patients experienced greater reductions in wait times compared to non-PC patients.
- Wait time reductions were observed for both PC and non-PC patients.
Conclusions:
- The streamlined model effectively reduces diagnostic wait times for autism spectrum disorder.
- Efficient identification facilitates earlier access to essential early intervention and support services for families.
- This approach holds promise for improving care in primary care settings, especially for underserved communities.
Objective:
Preliminary feasibility and clinical utility research has demonstrated that implementation of a streamlined diagnostic model embedded within primary care (PC) clinics promotes early identification of young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Use of this model results in dramatically reduced waits for diagnostic consultation, high levels of family/provider satisfaction, and reductions in referrals to overtaxed tertiary diagnostic centers. The current study extends this work by providing data before/after implementation of a streamlined model across a diverse range of PC clinics that provide health care to rural and underserved communities.
Methods:
The streamlined assessment involved record/history review, diagnostic interview, standard rating scales, and an interactive screening tool. Eighty children between the ages of 19 and 47 months were seen across 5 different clinics. Data were collected through chart review.
Results:
Implementation of streamlined model resulted in a significant decrease in latency to diagnostic conclusion from a mean of 144.7 to 49.9 days. Children were likely to experience a greater reduction in wait times if they were a PC patient versus a non-PC patient.
Conclusion:
Results show significant reduction in wait times for ASD diagnostic decisions across both PC and non-PC patients. By reducing waits and identifying concerns more efficiently, we may increase the ability of families to access early intervention and support services.
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10:02Executive Function in Autism Spectrum Disorder
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