Early detection and intervention are crucial for optimal outcomes in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but access to services is often lacking in rural communities. In fact, the average age of ASD diagnosis in rural communities is later than elsewhere, increasing the risk of missed early intervention and subsequently poorer outcomes. Caregivers in Southwest Virginia report that major barriers to ASD services include few providers with expertise in ASD, unaffordability of services, and geographic isolation; limited parent training or education about ASD emerges as a particular paucity in this region. To address these barriers, the current pilot study assessed the feasibility of delivering ASD assessment through a mobile clinic (n = 15). During COVID-19, the study shifted to pilot an ASD teleassessment protocol (n = 15). Participants included 30 children between 1.7 and 14.9 years of age and one or both caregivers. Following a diagnostic feedback session, caregivers of children who received an ASD diagnosis (n = 28) were randomized to either attend psychoeducation sessions or receive comparable materials about ASD, with the goal of improving caregiver ASD knowledge and empowerment to seek and provide care for their child. Although flexibility in scheduling was necessary to accommodate families’ schedules, both delivery formats exhibited high feasibility and strong caregiver satisfaction. The primary reason for rescheduling mobile assessments was weather-related, whereas teleassessments were rescheduled due to family emergencies and work-related conflicts. Caregiver empowerment in the domains of family and the community improved after receiving assessment and psychoeducation services, as did total ASD knowledge (η2 = .114–.235, p < .05). / M.S. / Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tend to achieve better outcomes with early intervention, which requires early assessment and diagnosis. However, families in rural areas typically have greater difficulty accessing such services, due to limited providers, high cost of services, and geographic distance from provider offices. This often results in children from rural regions being diagnosed with ASD at a later age than elsewhere, thereby missing opportunities for effective and timely treatment. To overcome these barriers, the current pilot study evaluated two novel service delivery formats: (1) mobile assessment through the Mobile Autism Clinic prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 15); and (2) tele-assessment via a secure video platform during the pandemic (n = 15). Participants included 30 children between 1.7 and 14.9 years of age and one or both caregivers. After completing an assessment, caregivers attended a feedback session to review diagnoses and recommendations. If their child received an ASD diagnosis (n = 28), caregivers then either completed additional educational sessions about ASD or received similar informational materials, with the goal of improving caregiver knowledge and empowerment. Although flexibility in scheduling was necessary to accommodate families’ schedules, both delivery formats demonstrated high feasibility and strong caregiver satisfaction. The primary reason for rescheduling mobile assessments was weather-related, whereas teleassessments were rescheduled due to family emergencies and work-related conflicts. Caregiver empowerment within their family and community improved after receiving assessment and psychoeducation services, as did total ASD knowledge.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:VTETD/oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/101519 |
| Date | January 2020 |
| Creators | Bertollo, Jennifer R. |
| Contributors | Psychology, Scarpa, Angela, Ollendick, Thomas H., Jones, Russell T. |
| Publisher | Virginia Tech |
| Source Sets | Virginia Tech Theses and Dissertation |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | ETD, application/pdf, application/pdf, application/pdf, application/pdf |
| Rights | In Copyright, http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ |
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