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Pye K, Jackson H, Iacono T, Shiell A. Economic Evaluation of Early Interventions for Autistic Children: A Scoping Review. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:1691-1711. [PMID: 36914827 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-05938-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Many autistic children access some form of early intervention, but little is known about the value for money of different programs. We completed a scoping review of full economic evaluations of early interventions for autistic children and/or their families. We identified nine studies and reviewed their methods and quality. Most studies involved behavioral interventions. Two were trial-based, and the others used various modelling methods. Clinical measures were often used to infer dependency levels and quality-adjusted life-years. No family-based or negative outcomes were included. Authors acknowledged uncertain treatment effects. We conclude that economic evaluations in this field are sparse, methods vary, and quality is sometimes poor. Economic research is needed alongside longer-term clinical trials, and outcome measurement in this population requires further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Pye
- School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.
| | - Hannah Jackson
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Teresa Iacono
- La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Australia
| | - Alan Shiell
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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Keehn B, Monahan P, Enneking B, Ryan T, Swigonski N, McNally Keehn R. Eye-Tracking Biomarkers and Autism Diagnosis in Primary Care. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2411190. [PMID: 38743420 PMCID: PMC11094561 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.11190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Finding effective and scalable solutions to address diagnostic delays and disparities in autism is a public health imperative. Approaches that integrate eye-tracking biomarkers into tiered community-based models of autism evaluation hold promise for addressing this problem. Objective To determine whether a battery of eye-tracking biomarkers can reliably differentiate young children with and without autism in a community-referred sample collected during clinical evaluation in the primary care setting and to evaluate whether combining eye-tracking biomarkers with primary care practitioner (PCP) diagnosis and diagnostic certainty is associated with diagnostic outcome. Design, Setting, and Participants Early Autism Evaluation (EAE) Hub system PCPs referred a consecutive sample of children to this prospective diagnostic study for blinded eye-tracking index test and follow-up expert evaluation from June 7, 2019, to September 23, 2022. Participants included 146 children (aged 14-48 months) consecutively referred by 7 EAE Hubs. Of 154 children enrolled, 146 provided usable data for at least 1 eye-tracking measure. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcomes were sensitivity and specificity of a composite eye-tracking (ie, index) test, which was a consolidated measure based on significant eye-tracking indices, compared with reference standard expert clinical autism diagnosis. Secondary outcome measures were sensitivity and specificity of an integrated approach using an index test and PCP diagnosis and certainty. Results Among 146 children (mean [SD] age, 2.6 [0.6] years; 104 [71%] male; 21 [14%] Hispanic or Latine and 96 [66%] non-Latine White; 102 [70%] with a reference standard autism diagnosis), 113 (77%) had concordant autism outcomes between the index (composite biomarker) and reference outcomes, with 77.5% sensitivity (95% CI, 68.4%-84.5%) and 77.3% specificity (95% CI, 63.0%-87.2%). When index diagnosis was based on the combination of a composite biomarker, PCP diagnosis, and diagnostic certainty, outcomes were concordant with reference standard for 114 of 127 cases (90%) with a sensitivity of 90.7% (95% CI, 83.3%-95.0%) and a specificity of 86.7% (95% CI, 70.3%-94.7%). Conclusions and Relevance In this prospective diagnostic study, a composite eye-tracking biomarker was associated with a best-estimate clinical diagnosis of autism, and an integrated diagnostic model including PCP diagnosis and diagnostic certainty demonstrated improved sensitivity and specificity. These findings suggest that equipping PCPs with a multimethod diagnostic approach has the potential to substantially improve access to timely, accurate diagnosis in local communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Keehn
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Patrick Monahan
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis
| | - Brett Enneking
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis
| | - Tybytha Ryan
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis
| | - Nancy Swigonski
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis
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Tangviriyapaiboon D, Permsuwan U, Pavasuthipaisit C, Sriminipun A, Dilokthornsakul P. Economic Evaluation of the Thai Diagnostic Autism Scale for Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis in Children Aged 1-5 Years Old. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:782. [PMID: 38610204 PMCID: PMC11012028 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12070782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The Thai Diagnostic Autism Scale (TDAS) was developed for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis in Thai children aged 1-5 years. Previous studies have indicated its good performance; however, additional health resources and healthcare providers are necessary for evaluation. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of TDAS compared to clinical diagnosis (ClinDx) for ASD diagnosis in Thai children aged 1-5 years from a societal perspective. The analysis employed a hybrid model consisting of a decision tree model for a diagnostic phase with a state transition model for a follow-up phase. A literature review was conducted to determine TDAS performance and the relative risk of death in patients with ASD. Direct medical costs were assessed through a retrospective medical records review, and a cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine direct nonmedical costs, ASD severities, and utility values. The cost of TDAS was derived from a healthcare provider interview (n = 10). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) compared the total lifetime cost and quality-adjusted life years (QALY) between TDAS and ClinDx. We found that TDAS could improve QALY by 1.96 but increased total lifetime cost by 5577 USD, resulting in an ICER of 2852 USD/QALY. Sensitivity analysis indicated an 81.16% chance that TDAS is cost-effective. The probabilities of different ASD severities were key influencing factors of the findings. In conclusion, TDAS is the cost-effective option for ASD diagnosis in Thai children aged 1-5 years compared to ClinDx, despite some uncertainties around inputs. Further monitoring and evaluation are warranted if TDAS is to be implemented nationwide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Unchalee Permsuwan
- Center for Medical and Health Technology Assessment (CM-HTA), Department of Pharmaceutical Care, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;
| | - Chosita Pavasuthipaisit
- Rajanagarindra Institute of Child Development, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand; (D.T.); (C.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Athithan Sriminipun
- Rajanagarindra Institute of Child Development, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand; (D.T.); (C.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Piyameth Dilokthornsakul
- Center for Medical and Health Technology Assessment (CM-HTA), Department of Pharmaceutical Care, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;
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Blume J, Miller M, O'Neill D, Mastergeorge AM, Ozonoff S. Utility of the Language Use Inventory in Young Children at Elevated Likelihood of Autism. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2024; 67:573-585. [PMID: 38215350 PMCID: PMC11000786 DOI: 10.1044/2023_jslhr-23-00442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aims of this study were (a) to evaluate the convergent validity of the Language Use Inventory (LUI) with measures of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms, language, and social skills and (b) to assess discriminant validity of the LUI with measures of nonlanguage skills, including daily living skills and motor development. METHOD This study sample included participants from a longitudinal study (n = 239) of infant siblings with elevated familial likelihood of ASD and lower familial likelihood. Assessment measures completed at 36 months included the LUI, the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2), the Mullen Scales of Early Learning, and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-Second Edition. Bivariate Pearson correlations were estimated between ADOS-2 comparison scores and four language and social skills measures. Additional correlations were estimated between LUI total scores and standard scores from nonlanguage measures. A series of Fisher's Z transformations were applied to evaluate whether bivariate correlations were significantly different. RESULTS All four language and social skill measures were moderately to strongly associated with each other and ASD symptom severity scores. The correlation between ADOS-2 comparison scores and LUI total scores was significantly stronger than ADOS-2 correlations with all other measures. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide support for the LUI as a feasible, pragmatic language-targeted instrument for inclusion in early developmental evaluations prompted by language concerns. Administration of the LUI may accelerate earlier referral for a comprehensive assessment of ASD symptoms. Given the high correlation with ADOS-2 scores, an LUI total score in a clinical range of concern may encourage a clinician to refer families for a full diagnostic evaluation of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Blume
- Office of Global Health, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock
| | - Meghan Miller
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis
| | - Daniela O'Neill
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ann M. Mastergeorge
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock
| | - Sally Ozonoff
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis
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Lebenbaum M, Hassan SA. Screening and Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Wildfire Evacuees: A Cost-Utility Analysis. MDM Policy Pract 2024; 9:23814683241260423. [PMID: 38904072 PMCID: PMC11189003 DOI: 10.1177/23814683241260423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background. Global climate change is resulting in dramatic increases in wildfires. Individuals exposed to wildfires experience a high burden of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the cost-effectiveness of the treatment options to address PTSD from wildfires has not been studied. The objective of this study was to conduct a cost-utility analysis comparing screening followed by treatment with paroxetine or trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) versus no screening in Canadian adult wildfire evacuees. Methods. Using a Markov model, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and costs were evaluated over a 5-y time horizon using health care and societal perspectives. All costs and utilities in the model were discounted at 1.5%. Probabilistic and deterministic sensitivity analyses examined the uncertainty in the incremental net monetary benefit (INMB) under a willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000. Results. From a societal perspective, no screening (NMB = $177,641) was dominated by screening followed by treatment with paroxetine (NMB = $180,733) and TF-CBT (NMB = $181,787), with TF-CBT having the highest likelihood of being cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000 per QALY (probability = 0.649). The initial prevalence of PTSD, probability of acceptance of treatment, and costs of productivity had the largest impact on the INMB of both paroxetine or TF-CBT versus no screening. Neither intervention was cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000 per QALY from a health care perspective. Interpretation. Screening followed by treatment with paroxetine or TF-CBT compared with no screening was found to be cost-saving while providing additional QALYs in wildfire evacuees. Governments should consider funding screening programs for PTSD followed by treatment with TF-CBT for wildfire evacuees. Highlights Two prior studies examined the cost-effectiveness of screening followed by treatment for PTSD among individuals exposed to other disaster-type events (i.e., terrorist attack and Hurricane Sandy) and found screening followed by treatment (i.e., cognitive behavioral therapy [CBT]) to be highly cost-effective.Among wildfire evacuees, screening followed by treatment with paroxetine or trauma-focused (TF)-CBT provides additional quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and is cost-saving from a societal perspective. TF-CBT was the treatment option found most likely to be cost-effective.Neither treatment option was cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000 per QALY from a health care perspective.Screening programs for PTSD should be considered for wildfire evacuees, and individuals diagnosed with PTSD could be prescribed either TF-CBT or paroxetine depending on their preference and resources availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lebenbaum
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (IHPME), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Canadian Centre for Health Economics, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Center for Demography of Health and Aging, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - S. Ahmed Hassan
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (IHPME), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Nwokolo EU, Murphy GH, Langdon PE. Validation of the social communication questionnaire amongst Nigerian adolescents. Autism Res 2024; 17:66-77. [PMID: 37795675 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Few autism spectrum disorder (ASD) screening tools have been developed and validated in Africa. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) when used with Nigerian adolescents. Parents and caregivers of two hundred and five adolescents completed the SCQ Lifetime form while the adolescents were assessed for ASD using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition (ADOS-2). Factor structure and convergent and discriminative validity were examined, along with the sensitivity and specificity of the SCQ in identifying participants with an autism spectrum disorder. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to examine the factor structure, while logistic regression and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used to examine the validities. The SCQ had good internal consistency, discriminative, and convergent validity. A cut-off score of 10 revealed sensitivity = 0.81 and specificity = 0.88 for the identification of autism spectrum disorder. AUC was 0.83, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.77, 0.90]. The results of this study provide evidence to support the retention of the original four factors of the SCQ. The SCQ has good psychometric properties when used with Nigerian adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Peter E Langdon
- Centre for Educational Development, Appraisal and Research (CEDAR), and Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing Research, University of Warwick and Brooklands Hospital, Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
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Tsiplova K, Ungar WJ. Why it is so challenging to perform economic evaluations of interventions in autism and what to do about it. Autism Res 2023; 16:2061-2070. [PMID: 37606004 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Economic evaluation is used to determine the optimal provision of services and programs under budget constraints and to inform public and private payer funding decisions. To maximize value-for-money in the design and delivery of programs and services for persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it's essential to generate high-quality economic evidence to inform budget allocation. There is a paucity however, of economic evaluations of interventions for ASD. This is due in part to challenges in conducting economic evaluations in this population and the lack of guidance on suitable approaches. These challenges are related to the inherent heterogeneity of the autistic population; establishing short- and long-term effectiveness; measurement of costs and the availability of valid instruments for collecting economic data; the appropriateness of outcomes for use in economic evaluation; and achieving statistical power. This commentary addresses a lack of awareness and needed guidance on these issues by discussing the challenges and providing recommendations for how economic evaluations in ASD could be improved to generate high-quality evidence for program funding decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Tsiplova
- Program of Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Wendy J Ungar
- Program of Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Rivard M, Morin D, Coulombe P, Morin M, Mello C. The Diagnostic Period for Autism: Risk and Protective Factors for Family Quality of Life in Early Childhood. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:3755-3769. [PMID: 35917021 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05686-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
During the diagnostic evaluation period for autism or intellectual disability (ID), families of young children are at risk for poor adjustment. The present study aimed to document family quality of life (FQOL), along with associated risk and protective factors, during this critical step of families' services trajectory. FQOL was measured in a large sample of families of children recently diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder and examined in relation to the type of services received, children's clinical profile, and family variables. FQOL was related to types of services, children's challenging behavior, parenting stress, and several aspects of family composition and status. These findings highlight a need for mental health support for parents, coaching interventions for challenging behaviors, and family-centered supports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélina Rivard
- Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888 succursale Centre-ville, H3C 3P8, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
| | - Diane Morin
- Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888 succursale Centre-ville, H3C 3P8, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Marjorie Morin
- Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888 succursale Centre-ville, H3C 3P8, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Catherine Mello
- The Pennsylvania State University - Berks, 19610, Reading, PA, USA
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Tinelli M, Roddy A, Knapp M, Arango C, Mendez MA, Cusack J, Murphy D, Canitano R, Oakley B, Quoidbach V. Economic analysis of early intervention for autistic children: findings from four case studies in England, Ireland, Italy, and Spain. Eur Psychiatry 2023; 66:e76. [PMID: 37732502 PMCID: PMC10594363 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2023.2449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many autistic children experience difficulties in their communication and language skills development, with consequences for social development into adulthood, often resulting in challenges over the life-course and high economic impacts for individuals, families, and society. The Preschool Autism Communication Trial (PACT) intervention is effective in terms of improved social communication and some secondary outcomes. A previously published within-trial economic analysis found that results at 13 months did not support its cost-effectiveness. We modeled cost-effectiveness over 6 years and across four European countries. METHODS Using simulation modeling, we built on economic analyses in the original trial, exploring longer-term cost-effectiveness at 6 years (in England). We adapted our model to undertake an economic analysis of PACT in Ireland, Italy, and Spain. Data on resource use were taken from the original trial and a more recent Irish observational study. RESULTS PACT is cost-saving over time from a societal perspective, even though we confirmed that, at 13 months post-delivery, PACT is more expensive than usual treatment (across all countries) when given to preschool autistic children. After 6 years, we found that PACT has lower costs than usual treatment in terms of unpaid care provided by parents (in all countries). Also, if we consider only out-of-pocket expenses from an Irish study, PACT costs less than usual treatment. DISCUSSION PACT may be recommended as a cost-saving early intervention for families with an autistic child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Tinelli
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Aine Roddy
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
- Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland
| | - Martin Knapp
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Celso Arango
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, IiSGM, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Andreina Mendez
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, IiSGM, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Roberto Canitano
- University Hospital of Siena – Azienda ospedaliero-universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
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Keehn RM, Swigonski N, Enneking B, Ryan T, Monahan P, Martin AM, Hamrick L, Kadlaskar G, Paxton A, Ciccarelli M, Keehn B. Diagnostic Accuracy of Primary Care Clinicians Across a Statewide System of Autism Evaluation. Pediatrics 2023; 152:e2023061188. [PMID: 37461867 PMCID: PMC10686684 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-061188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the Early Autism Evaluation (EAE) Hub system, a statewide network that provides specialized training and collaborative support to community primary care providers in the diagnosis of young children at risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS EAE Hub clinicians referred children, aged 14 to 48 months, to this prospective diagnostic study for blinded follow-up expert evaluation including assessment of developmental level, adaptive behavior, and ASD symptom severity. The primary outcome was agreement on categorical ASD diagnosis between EAE Hub clinician (index diagnosis) and ASD expert (reference standard). RESULTS Among 126 children (mean age: 2.6 years; 77% male; 14% Latinx; 66% non-Latinx white), 82% (n = 103) had consistent ASD outcomes between the index and reference evaluation. Sensitivity was 81.5%, specificity was 82.4%, positive predictive value was 92.6%, and negative predictive value was 62.2%. There was no difference in accuracy by EAE Hub clinician or site. Across measures of development, there were significant differences between true positive and false negative (FN) cases (all Ps < .001; Cohen's d = 1.1-1.4), with true positive cases evidencing greater impairment. CONCLUSIONS Community-based primary care clinicians who receive specialty training can make accurate ASD diagnoses in most cases. Diagnostic disagreements were predominately FN cases in which EAE Hub clinicians had difficulty differentiating ASD and global developmental delay. FN cases were associated with a differential diagnostic and phenotypic profile. This research has significant implications for the development of future population health solutions that address ASD diagnostic delays.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nancy Swigonski
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine
| | - Brett Enneking
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine
| | - Tybytha Ryan
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine
| | - Patrick Monahan
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University School of Medicine
| | | | - Lisa Hamrick
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University
| | - Girija Kadlaskar
- Department of Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences, Purdue University
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis
| | - Angela Paxton
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine
| | - Mary Ciccarelli
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine
| | - Brandon Keehn
- Department of Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences, Purdue University
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Yang Y, Wang H, Xu H, Yao M, Yu D. Randomized, controlled trial of a mixed early start Denver model for toddlers and preschoolers with autism. Autism Res 2023; 16:1640-1649. [PMID: 37565317 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
The early start Denver model (ESDM) has been extensively studied as a promising early intervention approach for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Various methodological drawbacks from earlier ESDM investigations must be rectified to expand the application scopes. For this purpose, the present study recruited a very large sample of 249 autistic children (aged 24-47 months), and used a randomized controlled design to compare outcomes from a mixed ESDM (M-ESDM) intervention with a mixed discrete trial teaching (M-DTT) intervention which remains one of the most commonly-used programming for early intervention. Over the course of a 12-week period, both groups (i.e., M-ESDM and M-DTT groups) received 25 h of intensive intervention per week using individual, group, and parent coaching techniques. Findings showed that: (i) the M-ESDM significantly outperformed the M-DTT in enhancing children's developmental abilities in gross motor and personal-social skills for toddlers and preschoolers, as well as in language for preschoolers with mild/moderate ASD and toddlers; and (ii) the M-ESDM dramatically reduced the severity of autistic symptoms in toddlers with severe ASD only, when compared to the M-DTT. However, the M-ESDM did not outperform the M-DTT in terms of improving children's developmental abilities in adaptability and fine motor for toddlers and preschoolers, as well as in language for preschoolers with severe ASD. In addition, when compared to the M-DTT, the M-ESDM did not show an advantage in reducing the severity of autistic symptoms in toddlers with mild/moderate ASD and preschoolers. Clinical Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. Registration number ChiCTR200039492.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Yang
- Henan Provincial Medical Key Lab of Child Developmental Behavior and Learning, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hongan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Child Development and Learning Science of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haiping Xu
- Henan Provincial Medical Key Lab of Child Developmental Behavior and Learning, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Meiling Yao
- Henan Provincial Medical Key Lab of Child Developmental Behavior and Learning, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Dongchuan Yu
- Henan Provincial Medical Key Lab of Child Developmental Behavior and Learning, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Key Laboratory of Child Development and Learning Science of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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Rivard M, Morin M, Rochefort C, Morin D, Mello C. Barriers and facilitators to accessibility, continuity, validity, flexibility, and provider-family relationship along the diagnostic pathway in developmental disabilities. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2023; 139:104570. [PMID: 37423052 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2023.104570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents of children with developmental disabilities must navigate a complex network to obtain a diagnosis and interventions for their child. However, their subjective experience of this journey has yet to be analyzed through the lens of a theorical framework that could support research, organizational program evaluation, and facilitate providers' reflection on how to enhance families' diagnostic services trajectory. AIMS This study sought to examine the diagnostic journey as experienced by 77 parents whose children were recently diagnosed with developmental disabilities (e.g., autism, intellectual disability) in the metropolitan area of Montréal, Québec (Canada). METHODS AND PROCEDURES A mixed qualitative content analysis approach was used to describe their perspective on barriers and facilitators in reference to the five dimensions of the Evaluation of the Trajectory Autism for Parents (ETAP) model (Rivard et al., 2020): accessibility, continuity, validity, flexibility, and provider-family relationship. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS The barriers and facilitators related to systemic factors identified by parents were consistent with the five dimensions outlined by the ETAP model. However, beyond these characteristics of the service delivery system, parents additionally identified their own, personal facilitators CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: This study supports the relevance of the ETAP framework to understanding the experience of families seeking a diagnosis. It also reinforces the potential contributions of this model to organize extant and future research as well as structure program evaluation and improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélina Rivard
- Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada, 100 Sherbrooke E Street, Montréal H2X 1C3, Canada.
| | - Marjorie Morin
- Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada, 100 Sherbrooke E Street, Montréal H2X 1C3, Canada
| | - Corinne Rochefort
- Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada, 100 Sherbrooke E Street, Montréal H2X 1C3, Canada
| | - Diane Morin
- Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada, 100 Sherbrooke E Street, Montréal H2X 1C3, Canada
| | - Catherine Mello
- The Pennsylvania State University - Berks, State College, Reading, PA 16801, United States
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Mello C, Rivard M, Patel S, Morin D, Morin M. Assessing the quality of care and service trajectories in autism from families' perspective: Early intervention and interim services. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2023; 133:104387. [PMID: 36535128 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following the Evaluation of the Autism Trajectory for Parents - Diagnostic Services (ETAP-1), the ETAP-2 instrument was created to assess the quality of the post-diagnostic phase of the care and service trajectory of families of children with autism. The instrument, based on an integrated care perspective, was developed with the input of multiple stakeholders (parents, service providers, researchers). AIMS This study sought to evaluate the factor structure, reliability, and convergent and discriminant validity of ETAP-2. METHODS AND PROCEDURES Parents (N = 197) of children recently diagnosed with autism (M = 5.1 years) were recruited from an assessment center and organizations providing early behavioral intervention and other supports for autism in the province of Québec, Canada. They completed the ETAP-2 questionnaire along with measures of satisfaction and family quality of life. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS The instrument presented a five-construct structure generally consistent with previously identified dimensions of quality, except for three items previously associated with the continuity of the service trajectory. ETAP-2 had excellent internal consistency and demonstrated convergent and discriminant validity with other measures. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS ETAP-2 is a brief parent-report measure with good psychometric properties. It can assist in gathering information on families' perception and experiences with early intervention and other post-diagnostic, interim services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Mello
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, Berks, USA.
| | - Mélina Rivard
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada
| | - Shaneha Patel
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada
| | - Diane Morin
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada
| | - Marjorie Morin
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada
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14
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Kularatna S, Jadambaa A, Senanayake S, Brain D, Hawker N, Kasparian NA, Abell B, Auld B, Eagleson K, Justo R, McPhail SM. The Cost of Neurodevelopmental Disability: Scoping Review of Economic Evaluation Methods. Clinicoecon Outcomes Res 2022; 14:665-682. [PMID: 36304697 PMCID: PMC9596191 DOI: 10.2147/ceor.s370311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The provision of effective care models for children with neurodevelopmental delay or disability can be challenging in resource constrained healthcare systems. Economic evaluations have an important role in informing resource allocation decisions. This review systematically examined the scope and methods of economic models evaluating interventions for supporting neurodevelopment among children with common neurodevelopmental disorders and identified methods of economic models and presented policy implications. This scoping review employed the Arksey and O'Malley framework and aligned with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Four electronic databases were systematically searched to identify eligible model-based economic evaluations of neurodevelopmental care models published since 2000. The Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklist was used to assess quality of reporting. Data were systematically extracted, tabulated, and qualitatively synthesised across diagnostic categories. Searches identified 1431 unique articles. Twelve studies used a decision analytic model to evaluate care for neurodevelopmental disorders and were included in the review. Included studies focused on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, n=6), autism spectrum disorder (ASD, n=3), cerebral palsy (n=2), and dyslexia (n=1). The most used decision analytic modelling approach was a Markov model (n=6), followed by a decision tree (n=3), and a combination of decision tree and Markov model (n=3). Most studies (n=7) adopted a societal perspective for reporting costs. None of the reviewed studies modelled impact on families and caregivers. Four studies reported cost-savings, three identified greater quality of life, and three identified cost increases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeewa Kularatna
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia,Correspondence: Sanjeewa Kularatna, Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia, Tel +61 7 3138 0050, Email
| | - Amarzaya Jadambaa
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Sameera Senanayake
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - David Brain
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Nadia Hawker
- Metro South Health, Queensland Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Nadine A Kasparian
- Cincinnati Children’s Center for Heart Disease and Mental Health, Heart Institute and the Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Bridget Abell
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Benjamin Auld
- Queensland Paediatric Cardiac Service, Queensland Children’s Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Karen Eagleson
- Queensland Paediatric Cardiac Service, Queensland Children’s Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Robert Justo
- Queensland Paediatric Cardiac Service, Queensland Children’s Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Steven M McPhail
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia,Digital Health and Informatics Directorate, Metro South Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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15
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Intensive behavioural interventions based on applied behaviour analysis (ABA) for young children with autism: A cost-effectiveness analysis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270833. [PMID: 35972929 PMCID: PMC9380934 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The economic and social costs of autism are significant. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of early intensive Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)-based interventions for autistic pre-school children in the UK. Methods A de novo economic analysis was developed in Microsoft Excel comparing early intensive ABA-based interventions compared with treatment as usual (TAU). The analysis used 15.5-year time horizon, with costs and benefits discounted a 3.5%. The model structure was based on cohort structure to capture changes in adaptive behaviour and cognitive ability over time. The analysis was informed by an individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis of available evidence. Results Adopting a public sector perspective, early intensive ABA-based therapies were associated with greater incremental costs and greater benefits. When pessimistic assumptions were made regarding the long-term effects of treatment incremental costs were £46,103 and incremental quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were 0.24, resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of £189,122 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). When optimistic assumptions were made about long-term effects, incremental costs were £39,233 with incremental benefits of 0.84 QALYs. The resulting ICER was £46,768 per QALY. Scenario analyses emphasised the importance of assumptions made regarding adult outcomes and type of school attended, both of which significantly affect the results of the analysis. Conclusions The results of this economic analysis suggest that early intensive ABA-based interventions are unlikely to represent value for money, based on a £20,000 to £30,000 per QALY threshold typically adopted to inform UK healthcare funding decisions. However, important gaps in the available evidence, limit the strength of the conclusions that can be drawn from the presented analysis. Further research, focusing on the trajectory of autistic children following intervention is likely to be highly beneficial to resolving some of these uncertainties.
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16
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Morin M, Rivard M, Morin D, Mello C, Coulombe P. Parents' satisfaction with a Canadian pilot clinic to reduce waiting lists for the assessment and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability in young children. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2022; 35:1186-1198. [PMID: 35638232 DOI: 10.1111/jar.13012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A large body of evidence suggest that parents of young children with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disability experience low levels of satisfaction with the diagnostic evaluation process. This study sought to document parents' satisfaction with the services of a pilot clinic implemented in Québec, Canada. METHOD Two-hundred fifty-nine (259) parents were recruited following their child's diagnosis. A mixed methods approach was used to investigate parents' satisfaction globally and with specific aspects of the assessment process. RESULTS Parents expressed overall high satisfaction with the assessment process. Parental satisfaction with specific aspects of the assessment process was negatively related to paternal stress, fathers' unemployment and household income and positively related to maternal stress. CONCLUSIONS This pilot clinic could meet parents' needs at this crucial moment in their care and services trajectory. The factors associated with satisfaction in the present study may inform future improvements to its services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjorie Morin
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Mélina Rivard
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Diane Morin
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Catherine Mello
- Department of Psychology, Penn State University, Berks, Pennsylvania, USA
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17
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Rivard M, Mestari Z, Morin D, Coulombe P, Mello C, Morin M. Cluster Analysis of Clinical Features of Children Suspected to Have Neurodevelopmental Disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 2022; 53:2409-2420. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05533-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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18
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Wang HI, Wright BD, Bursnall M, Cooper C, Kingsley E, Le Couteur A, Teare D, Biggs K, McKendrick K, de la Cuesta GG, Chater T, Barr A, Solaiman K, Packham A, Marshall D, Varley D, Nekooi R, Gilbody S, Parrott S. Cost-utility analysis of LEGO based therapy for school children and young people with autism spectrum disorder: results from a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056347. [PMID: 35039300 PMCID: PMC8765033 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the cost-effectiveness of LEGO-based therapy compared with usual support. DESIGN Cost-utility analysis alongside randomised control trial. SETTING Mainstream primary and secondary schools in the UK. PARTICIPANTS 248 children and young people (CYP) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) aged 7-15 years. INTERVENTION LEGO-based therapy is a group social skills intervention designed specifically for CYP with ASD. Through play, CYP learn to use the skills such as joint attention, sharing, communication and group problem-solving. CYP randomised to the intervention arm received 12 weekly sessions of LEGO-based therapy and usual support, while CYP allocated to control arm received usual support only. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Average costs based on National Health Service (NHS) and personal social services perspective and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) measured by EQ-5D-Y over time horizon of 1 year were collected during the trial. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated, and non-parametric bootstrapping was conducted. The uncertainty around the ICER estimates was presented using cost-effectiveness acceptability curve (CEAC). A set of sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the primary findings. RESULTS After adjustment and bootstrapping, on average, CYP in LEGO-based therapy group incurred less costs (incremental cost was -£251 (95% CI -£752 to £268)) and gained marginal improvement in QALYs (QALYs gained 0.009 (95% CI -0.008 to 0.028)). The CEAC shows that the probability of LEGO-based therapy being cost-effective was 94% at the willingness-to-pay threshold of £20 000 per QALY gained. Results of sensitivity analyses were consistent with the primary outcomes. CONCLUSION Compared with usual support, LEGO-based therapy produced marginal reduction in costs and improvement in QALYs. Results from both primary and sensitivity analyses suggested that LEGO-based therapy was likely to be cost-effective. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN64852382.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-I Wang
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, North Yorkshire, UK
| | - Barry Debenham Wright
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, North Yorkshire, UK
- COMIC Research Team, Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Matthew Bursnall
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, ScHARR, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Cindy Cooper
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, ScHARR, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Ellen Kingsley
- COMIC Research Team, Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Ann Le Couteur
- Sir James Spence Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Dawn Teare
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Katie Biggs
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, ScHARR, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Kirsty McKendrick
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, ScHARR, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Tim Chater
- Liverpool Clinical Trials Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
| | - Amy Barr
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, ScHARR, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Kiera Solaiman
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, ScHARR, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Anna Packham
- Clinical Trials Research Unit, ScHARR, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - David Marshall
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, North Yorkshire, UK
| | - Danielle Varley
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, North Yorkshire, UK
| | - Roshanak Nekooi
- COMIC Research Team, Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Simon Gilbody
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, North Yorkshire, UK
| | - Steve Parrott
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, North Yorkshire, UK
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19
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Lord C, Charman T, Havdahl A, Carbone P, Anagnostou E, Boyd B, Carr T, de Vries PJ, Dissanayake C, Divan G, Freitag CM, Gotelli MM, Kasari C, Knapp M, Mundy P, Plank A, Scahill L, Servili C, Shattuck P, Simonoff E, Singer AT, Slonims V, Wang PP, Ysrraelit MC, Jellett R, Pickles A, Cusack J, Howlin P, Szatmari P, Holbrook A, Toolan C, McCauley JB. The Lancet Commission on the future of care and clinical research in autism. Lancet 2022; 399:271-334. [PMID: 34883054 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(21)01541-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 258] [Impact Index Per Article: 129.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tony Charman
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Alexandra Havdahl
- Nic Waals Institute, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Paul Carbone
- Department of Pediatrics at University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Themba Carr
- Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, Encinitas, CA, USA
| | - Petrus J de Vries
- Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Peter Mundy
- University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Chiara Servili
- Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Emily Simonoff
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Vicky Slonims
- Evelina Children's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Paul P Wang
- Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative, Simons Foundation, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Rachel Jellett
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew Pickles
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Patricia Howlin
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Peter Szatmari
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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20
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Godel M, Robain F, Kojovic N, Franchini M, Wood de Wilde H, Schaer M. Distinct Patterns of Cognitive Outcome in Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Receiving the Early Start Denver Model. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:835580. [PMID: 35815035 PMCID: PMC9256919 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.835580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence-based, early intervention significantly improves developmental outcome in young children with autism. Nonetheless, there is high interindividual heterogeneity in developmental trajectories during the therapy. It is established that starting intervention as early as possible results in better developmental outcomes. But except for younger age at start, there is no clear consensus about behavioral characteristics that could provide a reliable individual prediction of a child's developmental outcome after receiving an early intervention. In this study, we analyze developmental trajectories of preschoolers with autism who received 2 years of intervention using the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) approach in Geneva, Switzerland in an individual setting (n = 55, aged 28.7 ± 5.1 months with a range of 15-42). Our aim was to identify early predictors of response to intervention. We applied a cluster analysis to distinguish between 3 groups based on their cognitive level at intake, and rates of cognitive change over the course of intervention. The first group of children only had a mild cognitive delay at intake and nearly no cognitive delay by the end of intervention (Higher Cognitive at baseline: HC). The children in the two other groups all presented with severe cognitive delay at baseline. However, they had two very different patterns of response to intervention. The majority significantly improved developmental scores over the course of intervention (Optimal Responders: OptR) whereas a minority of children showed only modest improvement (Minimal Responders: MinR). Further analyses showed that children who ended up having an optimal 2-year intervention outcome (OptR) were characterized by higher adaptive functioning at baseline combined with rapid developmental improvement during the first 6 months of intervention. Inversely, less significant progress by the sixth month of intervention was associated with a less optimal response to treatment (MinR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Godel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - François Robain
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nada Kojovic
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Martina Franchini
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Hilary Wood de Wilde
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marie Schaer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
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21
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Sampaio F, Feldman I, Lavelle TA, Skokauskas N. The cost-effectiveness of treatments for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder in children and adolescents: a systematic review. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2022; 31:1655-1670. [PMID: 33751229 PMCID: PMC9666301 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-021-01748-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Economic evaluations can help decision makers identify what services for children with neurodevelopmental disorders provide best value-for-money. The aim of this paper is to review the best available economic evidence to support decision making for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children and adolescents. We conducted a systematic review of economic evaluations of ADHD and ASD interventions including studies published 2010-2020, identified through Econlit, Medline, PsychINFO, and ERIC databases. Only full economic evaluations comparing two or more options, considering both costs and consequences were included. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Drummond checklist. We identified ten studies of moderate-to-good quality on the cost-effectiveness of treatments for ADHD and two studies of good quality of interventions for ASD. The majority of ADHD studies evaluated pharmacotherapy (n = 8), and two investigated the economic value of psychosocial/behavioral interventions. Both economic evaluations for ASD investigated early and communication interventions. Included studies support the cost-effectiveness of behavioral parenting interventions for younger children with ADHD. Among pharmacotherapies for ADHD, different combinations of stimulant/non-stimulant medications for children were cost-effective at willingness-to-pay thresholds reported in the original papers. Early intervention for children with suspected ASD was cost-effective, but communication-focused therapy for preschool children with ASD was not. Prioritizing more studies in this area would allow decision makers to promote cost-effective and clinically effective interventions for this target group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Sampaio
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, P.O Box 564, 751 22, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Inna Feldman
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, P.O Box 564, 751 22 Uppsala, Sweden ,grid.12650.300000 0001 1034 3451Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Tara A. Lavelle
- grid.67033.310000 0000 8934 4045Center for the Evaluation of Value and Risk, Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA USA
| | - Norbert Skokauskas
- grid.5947.f0000 0001 1516 2393Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, IPH, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway ,Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, St. Olav Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
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22
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Grivas G, Frye R, Hahn J. Pregnant Mothers' Medical Claims and Associated Risk of Their Children being Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Pers Med 2021; 11:950. [PMID: 34683092 PMCID: PMC8537202 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11100950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A retrospective analysis of administrative claims containing a diverse mixture of ages, ethnicities, and geographical regions across the United States was conducted in order to identify medical events that occur during pregnancy and are associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The dataset used in this study is comprised of 123,824 pregnancies of which 1265 resulted in the child being diagnosed with ASD during the first five years of life. Logistic regression analysis revealed significant relationships between several maternal medical claims, made during her pregnancy and segmented by trimester, and the child's diagnosis of ASD. Having a biological sibling with ASD, maternal use of antidepressant medication and psychiatry services as well as non-pregnancy related claims such hospital visits, surgical procedures, and radiology exposure were related to an increased risk of ASD regardless of trimester. Urinary tract infections during the first trimester and preterm delivery during the second trimester were also related to an increased risk of ASD. Preventative and obstetrical care were associated with a decreased risk for ASD. A better understanding of the medical factors that increase the risk of having a child with ASD can lead to strategies to decrease risk or identify those children who require increased surveillance for the development of ASD to promote early diagnosis and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve Grivas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, NY 12180, USA;
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, NY 12180, USA
- OptumLabs Visiting Fellow, OptumLabs, Eden Prairie, MN 55344, USA
| | - Richard Frye
- Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA;
- Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA
| | - Juergen Hahn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, NY 12180, USA;
- Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, NY 12180, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, NY 12180, USA
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Agnihotri S, Penner M, Mallory KD, Xie L, Hickling A, Joachimides N, Widgett E, Scratch SE. Healthcare utilization and costs associated with persistent post-concussive symptoms. Brain Inj 2021; 35:1382-1389. [PMID: 34546808 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2021.1972151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the healthcare utilization and costs associated with the interdisciplinary treatment of pediatric persistent post-concussive symptoms (PPCS). METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted with 461 youth referred by community physicians to an interdisciplinary pediatric PPCS outpatient clinic in Ontario, Canada. Healthcare utilization parameters included accessibility, continuity, comprehensiveness, and service productivity. Direct healthcare costs included those incurred by physicians and other interdisciplinary services. Indirect costs per client included travel to the clinic and caregiver productivity loss. Data analyses were completed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS The median age of clients was 15 years (range = 3 to 18). The median wait time for an initial PPCS clinic physician consultation was 71 days, and less than 2 months for other interdisciplinary services. Eighty-two percent of clients were referred to at least one other service after an initial physician consultation. Occupational therapy received the highest proportion of referrals (79%). Total median direct costs per client were approximately $915, with a final accumulated cost of $532 623 for all clients. Caregiver productivity loss was approximately $387 per family. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that interdisciplinary PPCS care represents an accessible, comprehensive and cost-saving healthcare model from the client and societal perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Agnihotri
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Melanie Penner
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kylie D Mallory
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lucy Xie
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea Hickling
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Elaine Widgett
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shannon E Scratch
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Rivard M, Patrick C, Mello C, Morin D, Morin M. The diagnostic trajectory in autism and intellectual disability in Quebec: pathways and parents' perspective. BMC Pediatr 2021; 21:393. [PMID: 34503480 PMCID: PMC8428098 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-021-02864-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This paper aimed to describe the diagnostic service trajectory of families of children with autism or intellectual disability in the province of Québec and identify predictors of parents’ perceptions of its quality. Methods The Evaluation of the services Trajectory in Autism by Parents instrument was completed by 259 parents at an assessment clinic. Children’s clinical records were also examined. Results On average 26 months elapsed between their first concerns and their child’s diagnosis, a period during which few (25%) received support. Parents’ evaluations were generally positive but were lower for the accessibility of the pre-assessment phase and the flexibility of the assessment process. Longer delays and a greater number of professionals consulted were associated with lower quality ratings. Some language-, immigration status-, and income-related differences in families’ appraisals were noted. Conclusion The diagnostic trajectory for neurodevelopmental disorders within public services in Québec presents some efficiency and accessibility challenges. Possible improvements are proposed to facilitate screening and to support families throughout this phase of their trajectory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélina Rivard
- Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888 succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3P8, Canada.
| | | | - Catherine Mello
- The Pennsylvania State University - Berks, Reading, PA, 16801, USA
| | - Diane Morin
- Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888 succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Marjorie Morin
- Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888 succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3P8, Canada
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Pokhilenko I, Janssen LMM, Evers SMAA, Drost RMWA, Schnitzler L, Paulus ATG. Do Costs in the Education Sector Matter? A Systematic Literature Review of the Economic Impact of Psychosocial Problems on the Education Sector. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2021; 39:889-900. [PMID: 34121169 PMCID: PMC8298334 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-021-01049-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychosocial (e.g., anxiety or behavior) problems lead to costs not only in the healthcare sector but also in education and other sectors. As psychosocial problems develop during the critical period of establishing educational trajectories, education costs are particularly relevant in the context of psychosocial problems among children and adolescents. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to gain insights into the methods used for the inclusion of education costs in health economics studies and into the proportion of the education costs in relation to the total costs associated with a condition or an intervention. METHODS We systematically searched the PubMed, Embase, SSCI, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ERIC, and Econlit databases in August 2019 for economic evaluations of mental health, psychosocial and educational interventions, and cost-of-illness studies of mental, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental disorders conducted from a societal perspective in populations of children and adolescents. An additional search was conducted in February 2021 to update the review. RESULTS In total, 49 articles were included in the analysis. The most common cost items were special education, school absenteeism, and various educational professionals (educational psychologist). A variety of methods were employed for the identification, measurement, and/or valuation of education costs. The proportion of education costs to the total costs of condition/intervention ranged from 0 to 67%, with the mean being 18.5%. DISCUSSION Since education costs can constitute a significant proportion of the total costs of an intervention or condition, including them in health economics studies might be important in informing optimal resource allocation decisions. Although various methods are available for including education costs in health economics studies, further research is needed to develop evidence-based methods for producing comparable estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Pokhilenko
- Department of Health Services Research, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Luca M M Janssen
- Department of Health Services Research, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Silvia M A A Evers
- Department of Health Services Research, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Centre for Economic Evaluation and Machine Learning, Trimbos Institute, Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ruben M W A Drost
- Department of Health Services Research, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lena Schnitzler
- Department of Health Services Research, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Health Economics Unit, Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Aggie T G Paulus
- Department of Health Services Research, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Health Medicine and Life Sciences, School of Health Professions Education, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Mello C, Rivard M, Morin D, Patel S, Morin M. Symptom Severity, Internalized and Externalized Behavioral and Emotional Problems: Links with Parenting Stress in Mothers of Children Recently Diagnosed with Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:2400-2413. [PMID: 34120257 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05131-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The present study examined which aspects of the child's behavior and clinical profile accounted for three dimensions of parenting stress: related to parenting roles, to interactions with the child, and to the child. Measures of adaptive behavior, intellectual functioning, autism symptom severity, and challenging behavior and emotional difficulties were examined as predictors of parenting stress in 157 mothers of children recently diagnosed with autism. Children's emotional problems and aggressive behavior were most predictive of parenting distress, whereas autism symptoms along with emotional problems and aggressive behavior, respectively, were linked to stress pertaining to interactions and to the child. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive and complementary interventions that focus on children's behavior and symptoms but also on parent adjustment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Mello
- Department of Psychology, Penn State University - Berks, Tulpehocken Road, P.O. Box 7009, Reading, PA, 19610, USA.
| | - Mélina Rivard
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec À Montréal, Montréal, QC, USA
| | - Diane Morin
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec À Montréal, Montréal, QC, USA
| | - Shaneha Patel
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec À Montréal, Montréal, QC, USA
| | - Marjorie Morin
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec À Montréal, Montréal, QC, USA
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Russell MJ, Michael Scott CW, Murias K, Ben Gibbard W, Cui X, Tough S, Zwicker JD. Cross-ministry data on service use and limitations faced by children in special education. Disabil Health J 2021; 14:101118. [PMID: 34074619 DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2021.101118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with disabilities often face limitations that cross support sectors. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to measure cross-ministry service use, outcomes, and functional limitations faced by children who qualified for special education. METHODS We used longitudinal British Columbia ministry data linked to children (0-18y) registered in K-12 education. Children were grouped by special education funding (most to least; Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Unfunded, and no special education), and related to 1) service use patterns, 2) the age they first used disability services, and 3) functional limitations reported in health visits. We also reported how length of special education use related to disability service use. RESULTS Of 111,274 children, 154(0.1%) were Level 1, 4427(4.0%) Level 2, 2897(2.6%) Level 3, 13472(12.1%) Unfunded, and 90324(81.2%) not in special education. Children with higher funding levels, compared to lower levels of funding, generally were more likely to experience poorer outcomes, have functional limitations, have service needs, and receive early support. One exception was children with serious behavioural/mental health special education coding, which had poorer outcomes for their level of funding. Children received child disability supports early (about half of users started by 4y), but use was mostly limited to those with many years (9+years) of funded special education (70.7% of the all users) and biased to certain special education codes (i.e., Level 1, severe intellectual disability, and autism). CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence of the long-term, diverse needs of children in special education and may be used to inform decisions surrounding their support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Joseph Russell
- School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, 906 8th Avenue S.W., 5th Floor, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 1H9, Canada; Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4Z6, Canada; PolicyWise for Children & Families, 1000-9925 109 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 2J8, Canada.
| | - Craig William Michael Scott
- School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, 906 8th Avenue S.W., 5th Floor, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 1H9, Canada
| | - Kara Murias
- Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B 6A8, Canada
| | - W Ben Gibbard
- Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B 6A8, Canada
| | - Xinjie Cui
- PolicyWise for Children & Families, 1000-9925 109 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 2J8, Canada
| | - Suzanne Tough
- Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4Z6, Canada; Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B 6A8, Canada
| | - Jennifer D Zwicker
- School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, 906 8th Avenue S.W., 5th Floor, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 1H9, Canada; Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, 376 Collegiate Blvd NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
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Stewart SL, Celebre A, Iantosca JA, Poss JW. Autism Spectrum Screening Checklist (ASSC): The Development of a Scale to Identify High-Risk Individuals Within the Children's Mental Health System. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:709491. [PMID: 34552515 PMCID: PMC8451328 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.709491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex childhood onset neurodevelopmental disorder that has become the fastest growing developmental disability. Due to the increased demand for diagnostic assessments and subsequent increased wait times, standardized screening as part of regular clinical practice is needed. More specifically, there is an important need for the development of a more streamlined screening tool within an existing assessment system to identify those at greatest risk of having ASD. The current study utilized data from ~17,000 assessments obtained within the province of Ontario, based on the interRAI Child and Youth Mental Health (ChYMH) and Child and Youth Mental Health and Developmental Disability (ChYMH-DD), to develop a scale to identify children who have a higher likelihood of having autism. The scale was then tested on a trial population with data from the interRAI Early Years instrument. Further analyses examined the predictive validity of the scale. The Autism Spectrum Screening Checklist (ASSC) was found to be a good predictor of ASD with a sensitivity of 0.73 and specificity of 0.62, at the recommended cut-point of 2+. The results were consistent across several age ranges, specifically from 2 to 21 years of age. The ASSC scale provides an initial screen to help identify children and youth at heightened risk for autism within larger populations being assessed as part of routine practice. The main goal for the development and implementation of the ASSC scale is to harness the power of the existing interRAI assessment system to provide a more efficient, effective screening and referral process. This will ultimately help improve patient outcomes through needs-based care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angela Celebre
- Faculty of Education, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jo Ann Iantosca
- Faculty of Applied Arts and Health Sciences, Seneca College, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jeffrey W Poss
- Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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Russell MJ, Zhang Y, Cui X, Tough S, Zwicker JD. Use of family disability service by families with young children with disabilities. Dev Med Child Neurol 2021; 63:81-88. [PMID: 32003474 PMCID: PMC7754115 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
AIM To investigate which families with young children with disabilities used disability services and when they used services to inform policy on service delivery. METHOD We used linked administrative data from different ministries in Alberta to describe families' use of disability services when their children were between the ages of 3 and 8 years old. Disability was investigated on the basis of the presence of a severe special education code for children, and level of special education code. The outcome was the use of family disability services. RESULTS Of 31 346 children, 24 761 (79.0%) had no special education code, 3982 (12.7%) had a mild special education code, and 2603 (8.3%) had a severe special education code. Level of special education code was associated with child characteristics and service use. Children with severe special education codes generally were more likely to report service use and have poor outcomes than those with less severe codes. Of note, 26% of children with severe special education codes used family disability services. In addition, among children with severe special education codes, many years of severe coding (compared with fewer years) had the strongest association with family disability service use (prevalence ratio 5.50; 95% confidence interval 4.10-7.37). Associations with family disability service use were seen with mental health, health care, and educational achievement. Interactions between child characteristics and service use were observed. INTERPRETATION This study provides evidence that families were more likely to use disability services when they were involved with other services, and that use interacts with various factors. The findings highlight the importance of considering service eligibility, referral, and integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Russell
- PolicyWise for Children & FamiliesEdmontonCanada
- Community Health SciencesCumming School of MedicineUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryCanada
- School of Public PolicyUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryCanada
| | - Yunqi Zhang
- PolicyWise for Children & FamiliesEdmontonCanada
| | - Xinjie Cui
- PolicyWise for Children & FamiliesEdmontonCanada
| | - Suzanne Tough
- Community Health SciencesCumming School of MedicineUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryCanada
- PaediatricsCumming School of MedicineUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryCanada
| | - Jennifer D Zwicker
- School of Public PolicyUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryCanada
- Department of KinesiologyUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryCanada
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Swanson MR. The role of caregiver speech in supporting language development in infants and toddlers with autism spectrum disorder. Dev Psychopathol 2020; 32:1230-1239. [PMID: 32893764 PMCID: PMC7872436 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579420000838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Parents play an essential role in supporting child development by providing a safe home, proper nutrition, and rich educational opportunities. In this article we focus on the role of caregiver speech in supporting development of young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We review studies from typically developing children and children with autism showing that rich and responsive caregiver speech supports language development. Autism intervention studies that target caregiver speech are reviewed as are recent scientific advances from studies of typical development. The strengths and weakness of different techniques for collecting language data from caregivers and children are reviewed, and natural language samples are recommended as best practice for language research in autism. We conclude that caregivers play a powerful role in shaping their children's development and encourage researchers to adapt parent-mediated intervention studies to acknowledge individual differences in parents by using a personalized medicine approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan R Swanson
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, TX, USA
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Rivard M, Mello C, Mercier C, Lefebvre C, Millau M, Morin M, Morin D, Abouzeid N, Chatenoud C. Development of a questionnaire to assess the quality of service trajectories in autism spectrum disorder from families' perspective. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2020; 33:1500-1511. [PMID: 32627311 DOI: 10.1111/jar.12777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND ETAP-1 was created to evaluate the quality of services trajectory from families' perspective. The items of ETAP-1 were developed from previous studies on integrated care, existing quality assessments, and consultations with families and experts in evaluation and in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHOD The questionnaire was completed by 200 parents of children aged 5 and under who were recently diagnosed with ASD or intellectual disability. Of these, 183 received diagnostic evaluation through a clinic specialized in ASD; the other 17 underwent diagnostic evaluation in hospital settings. RESULTS Factor analysis supported the a priori dimensions of quality and distinctions between experiences before and during diagnostic evaluation. The instrument had high internal consistency, convergent and discriminant validity with other measures and was sensitive to differences in service delivery models. DISCUSSION ETAP-1 is useful in organizing information on families' experiences throughout their services trajectories and according to a dynamic perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélina Rivard
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Catherine Mello
- Applied Psychology and Rehabilitation and Human Services, The Pennsylvania State University - Berks, Reading, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Céline Mercier
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Christine Lefebvre
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie Millau
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Marjorie Morin
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Diane Morin
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Nadia Abouzeid
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Céline Chatenoud
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Vargason T, Grivas G, Hollowood-Jones KL, Hahn J. Towards a Multivariate Biomarker-Based Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Review and Discussion of Recent Advancements. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2020; 34:100803. [PMID: 32446437 PMCID: PMC7248126 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2020.100803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
An ever-evolving understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) pathophysiology necessitates that diagnostic standards also evolve from being observation-based to include quantifiable clinical measurements. The multisystem nature of ASD motivates the use of multivariate methods of statistical analysis over common univariate approaches for discovering clinical biomarkers relevant to this goal. In addition to characterization of important behavioral patterns for improving current diagnostic instruments, multivariate analyses to date have allowed for thorough investigation of neuroimaging-based, genetic, and metabolic abnormalities in individuals with ASD. This review highlights current research using multivariate statistical analyses to quantify the value of these behavioral and physiological markers for ASD diagnosis. A detailed discussion of a blood-based diagnostic test for ASD using specific metabolite concentrations is also provided. The advancement of ASD biomarker research promises to provide earlier and more accurate diagnoses of the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troy Vargason
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY; Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY
| | - Genevieve Grivas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY; Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY
| | - Kathryn L Hollowood-Jones
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY; Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY
| | - Juergen Hahn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY; Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY.
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Rodgers M, Marshall D, Simmonds M, Le Couteur A, Biswas M, Wright K, Rai D, Palmer S, Stewart L, Hodgson R. Interventions based on early intensive applied behaviour analysis for autistic children: a systematic review and cost-effectiveness analysis. Health Technol Assess 2020; 24:1-306. [PMID: 32686642 PMCID: PMC7397479 DOI: 10.3310/hta24350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early intensive applied behaviour analysis-based interventions are intensive interventions for autistic children that are often delivered on a one-to-one basis for 20-50 hours per week. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of early intensive applied behaviour analysis-based interventions for autistic children, based on current evidence. METHODS A systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of an early intensive applied behaviour analysis-based intervention for autistic children. An economic analysis included a review of existing analyses and the development of a new model. RESULTS Twenty studies were included in the clinical review. Individual participant data were retrieved from 15 of these studies. Results favoured the interventions when assessing adaptive behaviour after 2 years compared with treatment as usual/eclectic interventions (mean difference 7.00, 95% confidence interval 1.95 to 12.06). In analyses of cognitive ability (intelligence quotient), results favoured the interventions by approximately 10 points after 1 year (mean difference 9.16, 95% confidence interval 4.38 to 13.93) and 2 years (mean difference 14.13, 95% confidence interval 9.16 to 19.10). Evidence for other outcomes was limited and meta-analyses were generally inconclusive. There was no evidence that the effect of the interventions varied with characteristics of the children, but data were limited. Adopting a £30,000 per quality-adjusted life-year threshold, the results of the cost-effectiveness analysis indicate that early intensive applied behaviour analysis-based interventions would need to generate larger benefits or cost savings to be cost-effective. Adopting a public sector perspective and making pessimistic assumptions about long-term effects, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for early intensive applied behaviour analysis-based therapy compared with treatment as usual is £189,122 per quality-adjusted life-year. When optimistic assumptions are made, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio is £46,768 per quality-adjusted life-year. Scenario analyses indicated that these interventions can potentially be cost-effective if long-term improvements persist into adulthood, or if they have significant impact on educational placement. Care should be taken when interpreting these scenarios owing to the limited data. LIMITATIONS All included studies were at risk of bias, there was substantial heterogeneity and effects varied considerably across studies. The effect of intervention on autism symptom severity, language development and school placement remains uncertain because of the limited data. The long-term effects are unclear owing to a lack of follow-up data. CONCLUSIONS This review found limited evidence that early intensive applied behaviour analysis-based interventions may improve cognitive ability and adaptive behaviour, but the long-term impact of the interventions remains unknown. The economic analysis is constrained by the limited effectiveness evidence, but suggests that these interventions are unlikely to be cost-effective unless clear long-term benefits, or a substantial change in which schools children attend, can be identified. FUTURE WORK Further studies into the effectiveness of early intensive applied behaviour analysis-based interventions may be warranted if they include well-defined, alternative interventions as comparators and collect relevant outcomes. Consideration should be given to future studies that not only address whether or not early intensive applied behaviour analysis-based interventions are clinically effective, but also aim to identify which components of early intensive applied behaviour analysis-based interventions might drive effectiveness. STUDY REGISTRATION This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42017068303. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 24, No. 35. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Rodgers
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - David Marshall
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Mark Simmonds
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Ann Le Couteur
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Mousumi Biswas
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Kath Wright
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Dheeraj Rai
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Stephen Palmer
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, UK
| | - Lesley Stewart
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Robert Hodgson
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
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Bradshaw J, Trumbull A, Stapel-Wax J, Gillespie S, George N, Saulnier C, Klaiman C, Woods J, Call N, Klin A, Wetherby A. Factors associated with enrollment into a clinical trial of caregiver-implemented intervention for infants at risk for autism spectrum disorder. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2020; 24:1874-1884. [PMID: 32594763 DOI: 10.1177/1362361320928829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Early intervention helps to address developmental delays in young children with autism spectrum disorder. Yet, research suggests there are barriers to enrollment into research studies that test the effectiveness of these interventions for infants at risk. This study identifies family characteristics that were associated with agreement to enroll in a clinical trial of early intervention for 12-month-old infants at risk for autism spectrum disorder. As part of a large longitudinal study, infants were evaluated for early signs of autism spectrum disorder at 1 year of age. Of the fifty-seven infants who were showing signs of autism and deemed eligible for the early intervention trial, 44% declined enrollment. Results suggest that families were more likely to decline enrolling into the intervention study if the mother was working full time, the total household income was between US$60,000 and US$100,000, and they lived further from the clinic. In contrast, infant autism symptoms and parental concern at 12 months were not significantly associated with enrollment. These findings highlight the need for intervention studies that are more accessible to parents, for example, intervention that takes place in the home, in addition to more research on how parental understanding of, and willingness to act on, early social-communication delays impact intervention study enrollment. Future research can then examine how to address these barriers to enrollment in early intervention studies. Such findings will shed light on best practices for dissemination of early identification and intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jennifer Stapel-Wax
- Emory University, USA.,Marcus Autism Center, USA.,Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, USA
| | - Scott Gillespie
- Emory-Children's-Georgia Tech Pediatric Research Alliance, USA
| | - Nisha George
- Emory-Children's-Georgia Tech Pediatric Research Alliance, USA
| | - Celine Saulnier
- Emory University, USA.,Neurodevelopmental Assessment & Consulting Services, USA
| | - Cheryl Klaiman
- Emory University, USA.,Marcus Autism Center, USA.,Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, USA
| | | | - Nathan Call
- Emory University, USA.,Marcus Autism Center, USA.,Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, USA
| | - Ami Klin
- Emory University, USA.,Marcus Autism Center, USA.,Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, USA
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Abstract
Autism is associated with a range of costs. This paper reviews the literature on estimating the economic costs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). More or less 50 papers covering multiple countries (US, UK, Australia, Canada, Sweden, the Netherlands, etc.) were analysed. Six types of costs are discussed in depth: (i) medical and healthcare service costs, (ii) therapeutic costs, (iii) (special) education costs, (iv) costs of production loss for adults with ASD, (v) costs of informal care and lost productivity for family/caregivers, and (vi) costs of accommodation, respite care, and out-of-pocket expenses. A general finding is that individuals with ASD and families with children with ASD have higher costs. Education costs appear to be a major cost component for parents with children with ASD.
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36
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Vivanti G, Stahmer A. Early intervention for autism: Are we prioritizing feasibility at the expenses of effectiveness? A cautionary note. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2018; 22:770-773. [DOI: 10.1177/1362361318803043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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37
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Zwaigenbaum L, Duku E, Fombonne E, Szatmari P, Smith IM, Bryson SE, Mirenda P, Vaillancourt T, Volden J, Georgiades S, Roberts W, Bennett T, Elsabbagh M, Waddell C, Steiman M, Simon R, Bruno R. Developmental functioning and symptom severity influence age of diagnosis in Canadian preschool children with autism. Paediatr Child Health 2018; 24:e57-e65. [PMID: 30906197 DOI: 10.1093/pch/pxy076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is essential in most Canadian jurisdictions to access interventions that improve long-term child outcomes. Our main objective was to identify factors associated with timing of ASD diagnosis in five provinces across Canada. Methods Factors influencing age of diagnosis were assessed in the analyses of an inception cohort of children diagnosed with ASD between ages 2 and 5 years. We examined bivariate associations and using a series of multiple variable regression models, evaluated the unique contributions of developmental functioning, ASD symptoms and demographic variables. Children with known genetic abnormalities, or severe sensory or motor impairments interfering with assessment were excluded. Results Participants were 421 children (84.6% boys). The mean age of diagnosis was 38.2 months (SD=8.7), an average of 19 months after parents identified initial concerns. Factors associated with later diagnosis included more advanced language and cognitive skills, and higher levels of restricted repetitive behaviour symptoms. Child sex and family demographics were not associated with age of diagnosis. In regression analyses, language and cognitive skills accounted for 6.8% of variance in age of diagnosis and ASD symptoms contributed an additional 5.5%. Provincial site accounted for 4.0% of variance in age of diagnosis, independent of developmental skills and ASD symptoms. Interpretation Diagnosis of ASD occurred, on average, 19 months after parents' initial concerns. Language and cognitive skills, symptom severity and provincial site accounted for variation in age of ASD diagnosis in this Canadian cohort. Variable presentation across the developmental continuum must be considered in planning assessment services to ensure timely ASD diagnosis so that outcomes can be improved. Policy and practice leadership is also needed to reduce interprovincial variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lonnie Zwaigenbaum
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta.,Pediatric Division, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta
| | - Eric Duku
- Offord Centre for Child Studies and McMaster Autism Research Team, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario
| | - Eric Fombonne
- Departments of Psychiatry, Pediatrics and Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Peter Szatmari
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario.,Department of Psychiatry, Hospital for Sick Children and Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Isabel M Smith
- Autism Research Centre, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia.,Departments of Pediatrics, Psychology and Neurosciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia
| | - Susan E Bryson
- Autism Research Centre, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia.,Departments of Pediatrics, Psychology and Neurosciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia
| | - Pat Mirenda
- Departments of Educational and Counselling Psychology and Special Education, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia
| | - Tracy Vaillancourt
- Counselling Psychology, Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario
| | - Joanne Volden
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
| | - Stelios Georgiades
- Offord Centre for Child Studies and McMaster Autism Research Team, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario
| | - Wendy Roberts
- Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Teresa Bennett
- Offord Centre for Child Studies and McMaster Autism Research Team, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario
| | - Mayada Elsabbagh
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
| | - Charlotte Waddell
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Children's Health Policy Centre, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia
| | - Mandy Steiman
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
| | - Rebecca Simon
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
| | - Ruth Bruno
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
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38
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Lamsal R, Zwicker JD. Economic Evaluation of Interventions for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Opportunities and Challenges. APPLIED HEALTH ECONOMICS AND HEALTH POLICY 2017; 15:763-772. [PMID: 28822113 PMCID: PMC5701958 DOI: 10.1007/s40258-017-0343-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Economic evaluation is a tool used to inform decision makers on the efficiency of comparative healthcare interventions and inform resource allocation decisions. There is a growing need for the use of economic evaluations to assess the value of interventions for children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), a population that has increasing demands for healthcare services. Unfortunately, few evaluations have been conducted to date, perhaps stemming from challenges in applying existing economic evaluation methodologies in this heterogeneous population. Opportunities exist to innovate methods to address key challenges in conducting economic evaluations of interventions for children with NDDs. In this paper, we discuss important considerations and highlight areas for future work. This includes the paucity of appropriate instruments for measuring outcomes meaningful to children with NDDs and their families, difficulties in the measurement of costs due to service utilization in a wide variety of sectors, complexities in the measurement of caregiver and family effects and considerations in estimating long-term productivity costs. Innovation and application of evaluation approaches in these areas will help inform decisions around whether the resources currently spent on interventions for children with NDDs represent good value for money, or whether greater benefits for children could be generated by spending money in other ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Lamsal
- School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, 906-8th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1H9, Canada
| | - Jennifer D Zwicker
- School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, 906-8th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1H9, Canada.
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
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Pijl MK, Buitelaar JK, de Korte MW, Rommelse NN, Oosterling IJ. Sustainability of an early detection program for autism spectrum disorder over the course of 8 years. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2017; 22:1018-1024. [PMID: 29068245 PMCID: PMC6196591 DOI: 10.1177/1362361317717977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The importance of early detection of autism spectrum disorder followed by early intervention is increasingly recognized. This quasi-experimental study evaluated the long-term effects of a program for the early detection of autism spectrum disorder (consisting of training of professionals and use of a referral protocol and screening instrument), to determine whether the positive effects on the age at referral were sustained after the program ended while controlling for overall changes in the number of referrals. Before, during, and after the program, the proportion of children referred before 3 years (versus 3–6 years) of age was calculated for children subsequently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (N = 513) or another, non-autism spectrum disorder, condition (N = 722). The odds of being referred before 3 years of age was higher in children with autism spectrum disorder than in children with another condition during the program than before (3.1, 95% confidence interval: 1.2–7.6) or after (1.7, 95% confidence interval: 1.0–3.0) the program but was not different before versus after the program. Thus, although the program led to earlier referral of children with autism spectrum disorder, after correction for other referrals, the effect was not sustained after the program ended. This study highlights the importance of continued investment in the early detection of autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam Kj Pijl
- 1 Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Centre, The Netherlands.,2 Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen
| | - Jan K Buitelaar
- 1 Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Centre, The Netherlands.,2 Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen
| | - Manon Wp de Korte
- 1 Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Centre, The Netherlands.,2 Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen
| | - Nanda Nj Rommelse
- 1 Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Centre, The Netherlands.,2 Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen
| | - Iris J Oosterling
- 1 Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Centre, The Netherlands.,2 Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen
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40
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Cost Offset Associated With Early Start Denver Model for Children With Autism. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2017; 56:777-783. [PMID: 28838582 PMCID: PMC7007927 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2017.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) for treatment of young children with autism on health care service use and costs. METHOD We used data from a randomized trial that tested the efficacy of the ESDM, which is based on developmental and applied behavioral analytic principles and delivered by trained therapists and parents, for 2 years. Parents were interviewed about their children's service use every 6 months from the onset of the intervention to follow-up (age 6 years). The sample for this study consisted of 39 children with autism who participated in the original randomized trial at age 18 to 30 months, and were also assessed at age 6 years. Of this sample, 21 children were in the ESDM group, and 18 children were in the community care (COM) group. Reported services were categorized and costed by applying unit hourly costs. Annualized service use and costs during the intervention and post intervention for the two study arms were compared. RESULTS During the intervention, children who received the ESDM had average annualized total health-related costs that were higher by about $14,000 than those of children who received community-based treatment. The higher cost of ESDM was partially offset during the intervention period because children in the ESDM group used less applied behavior analysis (ABA)/early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) and speech therapy services than children in the comparison group. In the postintervention period, compared with children who had earlier received treatment as usual in community settings, children in the ESDM group used less ABA/EIBI, occupational/physical therapy, and speech therapy services, resulting in significant cost savings in the amount of about $19,000 per year per child. CONCLUSION Costs associated with ESDM treatment were fully offset within a few years after the intervention because of reductions in other service use and associated costs. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION Early Characteristics of Autism; http://clinicaltrials.gov/; NCT0009415.
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41
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Lai JKY, Weiss JA. Priority service needs and receipt across the lifespan for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2017; 10:1436-1447. [PMID: 28383156 PMCID: PMC5573942 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have a range of health, community, and social support needs across the lifespan that create age‐specific challenges in navigating service sectors. In this study, we set out to identify the priority needs of individuals with ASD across the lifespan, and the factors that predict receiving priority services. Participants included 3,317 individuals with ASD from a Canada‐wide online caregiver survey, stratified into five age groups (preschool, elementary school age, adolescence, emerging adulthood, adulthood). Priority receipt was calculated as a ratio of current services that corresponded to individualized priority need. Age‐stratified Poisson regression analyses were used to identify the sociodemographic, clinical and systemic predictors of priority receipt. Results indicate that the distribution of priority need varied by age, except for social skills programming, which was a high across all groups. The number of high and moderate priority needs diversified with age. Overall, 30% of individuals had none of their priority needs met and priority receipt decreased with age. Systemic factors were most consistently related to priority receipt across the lifespan. Understanding patterns and correlates of priority needs and use that currently exist in different age groups can inform policies to improve service access. Autism Res2017, 10: 1436–1447. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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42
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Stahmer AC, Brookman-Frazee L, Rieth SR, Stoner JT, Feder JD, Searcy K, Wang T. Parent perceptions of an adapted evidence-based practice for toddlers with autism in a community setting. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2017; 21:217-230. [PMID: 27121242 PMCID: PMC5083231 DOI: 10.1177/1362361316637580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although data from parent-implemented Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions have shown positive effects on decreasing core symptoms of autism, there has been limited examination of the effectiveness of Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions in community settings. In addition, parent perspectives of their involvement in parent-implemented early intervention programs have not been well studied. Using both qualitative and quantitative data to examine parent perspectives and the perceived feasibility of parent training by community providers, 13 families were followed as they received training in the Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention, Project ImPACT. Data indicate that parent training by community providers is feasible and well received, and parents find value in participating in intervention and perceive benefit for their children. Recommendations for adaptation of program elements and future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubyn C Stahmer
- UC Davis MIND Institute, USA
- Child and Adolescent Services Research Center
| | | | - Sarah R Rieth
- Child and Adolescent Services Research Center
- San Diego State University, USA
| | | | - Joshua D Feder
- Child and Adolescent Services Research Center
- University of California, San Diego, USA
| | - Karyn Searcy
- Child and Adolescent Services Research Center
- Crimson Center for Speech & Language, USA
| | - Tiffany Wang
- Child and Adolescent Services Research Center
- University of California, San Diego, USA
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43
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Payakachat N, Tilford JM, Ungar WJ. National Database for Autism Research (NDAR): Big Data Opportunities for Health Services Research and Health Technology Assessment. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2016; 34:127-38. [PMID: 26446859 PMCID: PMC4761298 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-015-0331-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The National Database for Autism Research (NDAR) is a US National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded research data repository created by integrating heterogeneous datasets through data sharing agreements between autism researchers and the NIH. To date, NDAR is considered the largest neuroscience and genomic data repository for autism research. In addition to biomedical data, NDAR contains a large collection of clinical and behavioral assessments and health outcomes from novel interventions. Importantly, NDAR has a global unique patient identifier that can be linked to aggregated individual-level data for hypothesis generation and testing, and for replicating research findings. As such, NDAR promotes collaboration and maximizes public investment in the original data collection. As screening and diagnostic technologies as well as interventions for children with autism are expensive, health services research (HSR) and health technology assessment (HTA) are needed to generate more evidence to facilitate implementation when warranted. This article describes NDAR and explains its value to health services researchers and decision scientists interested in autism and other mental health conditions. We provide a description of the scope and structure of NDAR and illustrate how data are likely to grow over time and become available for HSR and HTA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalin Payakachat
- Division of Pharmaceutical Evaluation and Policy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham Street, Slot 522, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA.
| | - J Mick Tilford
- Division of Pharmaceutical Evaluation and Policy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham Street, Slot 522, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Wendy J Ungar
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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