Extending the HealthySteps Program to Improve Access to Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment Services: A Pilot Study

There has been a significant increase in the need for early identification and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Limited access to care and long wait times are barriers to timely diagnosis. Integrated primary care is a promising avenue for early identification of signs and symptoms of ASD. This paper provides preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of an extension of the HealthySteps (HS) program for identifying and diagnosing ASD within an integrated pediatric primary care setting. The pilot extension resulted in shorter wait times for an ASD evaluation, more timely diagnoses leading to referrals to intervention at a younger age, and increased access to services addressing psychosocial risk factors that may serve as barriers to receiving care. Additionally, this article discusses implications and future directions for adapting the HS model in integrated behavioral health practices.