Early detection facilitates early intervention (EI), which optimizes outcomes in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other developmental delays. However, facilitating the transition between receiving a diagnosis of ASD and other delays and accessing care has received little attention. When families first receive a diagnosis, they often experience grief, confusion, heightened stress, and difficulty accessing appropriate and affordable services, further increasing the disadvantages and disparity experienced by underrepresented populations. This feasibility study will focus on ways providers can better facilitate access to EI services for families following an initial diagnosis. Forty-nine diverse parents with children (16-32 m) diagnosed with ASD and other developmental delays were recruited from a larger screening study. During feedback, all families were provided with a provider list (treatment as usual) of therapeutic services. Half of the families were randomly assigned to receive a DVD/ Youtube Link (treatment plus video) that describes the diagnosis as well as common therapeutic options for children with developmental delays. Parents were asked questions regarding their use of materials (video vs. provider list) following feedback and their ability to access EI services. Study retention, demand and satisfaction were assessed to evaluate the use of video recommendations and the provider list. Demand, satisfaction and completion rates were assessed to evaluate the use of video recommendations as a feasible intervention following diagnosis. Additionally, differences in post measures of parental sense of competence, parental stress and access to the EI system were used to assess the potential efficacy of the intervention. Seventy- five percent of parents (across both treatment groups) used the provider list, whereas only 29% of parents who were randomized to the video condition reported that they viewed the video recommendations. Qualitative reactions from parents in the current investigation suggest a need for interdisciplinary care and coordination between mothers. Challenges to delivering a brief intervention following diagnosis are explored.

Infants and toddlers who live in poverty are more likely to experience developmental delays or disabilities and less likely to access early intervention (EI) services. The federal initiative Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge (RTT-ELC) was designed to increase access to high quality early learning programs for children at risk for developmental delays due to poverty or disability. Although IDEA, Part C programs were not specifically targeted by this initiative, policies associated with RTT-ELC may have an indirect impact on state EI programs. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of RTT-ELC on Part C programs by comparing states that received federal grants to states that did not. This study used a social justice framework to identify variables that inform equitable access to high quality Part C programs. Data were extracted from Part C state profiles and compared across states. Awarded states were more likely to increase enrollment of infants and toddlers in Part C Programs and were more likely to use broad eligibility criteria. These findings indicated that although differences were small they could become more pronounced over time. The need for policy change in Part C programs and federal early learning initiatives to directly target infants, toddlers and families in poverty are highlighted through the results of this study.