Primary Care Autism Assessment Training Program Pilot Trial

Area of Science:

• Pediatric healthcare
• Developmental pediatrics
• Autism spectrum disorder diagnostics

Background:

• Pediatric primary care practitioners (PCPs) often lack specialized training for autism assessments, leading to diagnostic delays in the U.S.
• Early autism diagnosis (before age 3) is crucial for accessing timely services and support.
• Existing training models show promise in equipping PCPs for autism evaluations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a training program for PCPs to conduct autism assessments.
• To evaluate the impact of the training on PCPs' knowledge and self-efficacy in autism assessment.
• To determine the number and characteristics of young children assessed by trained PCPs.

Main Methods:

• A training program involving an online course, a 2-day in-person workshop, and community learning sessions was implemented for 24 PCPs in Portland, Oregon.
• PCPs were trained to use standardized tools: Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children, and a DSM-5 based parent interview.
• Data on feasibility, acceptability, PCP knowledge/self-efficacy, and patient assessments were collected pre- and post-training.

Main Results:

• The training program demonstrated high feasibility and acceptability among participating PCPs.
• PCPs showed statistically significant improvements in their knowledge and self-efficacy regarding autism assessments.
• Trained PCPs assessed 34 children aged 19-47 months using the provided tools.

Conclusions:

• This training model is effective in enhancing PCPs' capacity to conduct autism assessments.
• Similar programs can help mitigate PCP shortages and reduce diagnostic delays for autism.
• Increased PCP involvement in autism assessment can improve early identification and access to care for young children.