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Rispoli KM, Curtiss SL, Naguib S. Brief transition-focused education for families of autistic youth: preliminary mixed-methods investigation. Disabil Rehabil 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38967010 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2365415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The transition to adulthood is one of the most challenging and complex processes for autistic youth and their families. Few evidence-based transition support programs exist, and those that have garnered support require long-term commitments and resources that may prohibit participation by families with financial and time limitations. The current study investigated the feasibility and initial promise of a brief, caregiver-focused educational transition program for families of autistic youth delivered in the community over a single day. METHODS Quantitative informant-report and qualitative interview data were collected from 12 caregivers of autistic youth before and after program participation. Using a partially mixed sequential equal status design, quantitative and qualitative data were integrated to evaluate change in caregiver transition knowledge and empowerment, as well as caregivers' perceptions of program feasibility, acceptability, and usefulness. RESULTS Caregivers reported significant increases in knowledge of transition-related topics and sense of empowerment regarding their family life. Caregiver perceptions of the intervention suggest they found it feasible, acceptable, and useful. CONCLUSIONS Short-term transition programming may be a helpful option for caregivers who seek transition supports for autistic youth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Suzi Naguib
- Sunfield Center for Autism, ADHD and Behavioral Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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2
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Friedman NR, Watkins L, Barnard-Brak L, Barber A, White SW. De-implementation of Low-Value Practices for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2023; 26:690-705. [PMID: 37452164 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-023-00447-2] [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] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Due to a variety of factors, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has long been tethered to use of low-value practice (LVP), arguably moreso than any other psychiatric or neurodevelopmental condition. Although dissemination of empirically supported treatments (EST) for autistic individuals has expanded markedly over the past decade, there has not been concomitant reduction in the use of LVP. It is critical that clinicians and scientists not only promote the implementation of EST, but also facilitate the de-implementation (abandonment and/or divestment) of ineffective or harmful practices. In this review, we describe a data-driven approach that can be used to identify LVP, drawing from established criteria for identification of evidence-based treatments (e.g., APA Division 12, National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice; SAMHSA), as well as broader considerations such as social validity, cost, and parsimony. Herein, a data-based approach to LVP identification is proposed with a goal of improving quality of service access. Within an implementation science framework, we identify specific facilitators that sustain LVP use, and recommendations for subsequent de-implementation strategies are offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole R Friedman
- Center for Youth Development and Intervention, University of Alabama, 101 McMillan Bldg, Box 870348, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Laci Watkins
- Department of Special Education, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
- Department of Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Lucy Barnard-Brak
- Department of Special Education, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Angela Barber
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Samford University, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Susan W White
- Center for Youth Development and Intervention, University of Alabama, 101 McMillan Bldg, Box 870348, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487, USA.
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA.
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3
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Jane A, Kanigsberg L, Patel A, Eldon S, Anagnostou E, Brian J, Penner M. Summative content analysis of the recommendations from Project ECHO Ontario Autism. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2023; 4:1096314. [PMID: 37064596 PMCID: PMC10101203 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2023.1096314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Background Practitioners report a lack of knowledge and confidence in treating autistic children, resulting in unmet healthcare needs. The Extension of Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) Autism model addresses this through discussion of participant-generated cases, helping physicians provide best-practice care through co-created recommendations. Recommendations stemming from ECHO cases have yet to be characterized and may help guide the future care of autistic children. Our objective was to characterize and categorize case discussion recommendations from Project ECHO Ontario Autism to better identify gaps in clinician knowledge. Methods We conducted a summative content analysis of all ECHO Ontario Autism case recommendations to identify categories of recommendations and their frequencies. Two researchers independently coded recommendations from five ECHO cases to develop the coding guide. They then each independently coded all remaining cases and recommendations from three cycles of ECHO held between October 2018 to July 2021, meeting regularly with the ECHO lead to consolidate the codes. A recommendation could be identified with more than one code if it pertained to multiple aspects of autism care. Categories from the various codes were identified and the frequency of each code was calculated. Results Of the 422 recommendations stemming from 62 cases, we identified 55 codes across ten broad categories. Categories included accessing community resources (n = 224), referrals to allied health and other providers (n = 202), ongoing autism care (n = 169), co-occurring mental and physical health conditions (n = 168), resources and tools for further learning (n = 153), physician to provide education and coaching to families (n = 150), promoting parent and family wellness (n = 104), supporting community autism diagnosis (n = 97), promoting patient empowerment and autonomy (n = 87), and COVID-19 (n = 26). Conclusion This is the first time that recommendations from ECHO Autism have been characterized and grouped into categories. Our results show that advice for autism identification and management spans many different facets of community-based care. Specific attention should be paid to providing continued access to education about autism, streamlining referrals to allied health providers, and a greater focus on patient- and family-centered care. Physicians should have continued access to autism education to help fill knowledge gaps and to facilitate families' service navigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alanna Jane
- School of Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Lisa Kanigsberg
- Autism Research Centre, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anmol Patel
- Autism Research Centre, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Salina Eldon
- Autism Research Centre, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Autism Research Centre, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jessica Brian
- Autism Research Centre, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Melanie Penner
- Autism Research Centre, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Correspondence: Melanie Penner
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Bak MYS, Reilly AM, Yang Y, Abas H, Pan Q, Hugh ML. Familiarity of evidence based practices in Chinese caregivers of autistic children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2022; 70:738-748. [PMID: 38983483 PMCID: PMC11229743 DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2022.2142374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Although researchers have investigated special educators' and clinicians' knowledge and use of evidence-based practices (EBPs), there is very little research on caregivers' perception of the importance of EBPs for their autistic children. Moreover, there is even less research on how EBPs have been translated or disseminated in international communities not within the English-speaking, Western population. In order to provide appropriate support for caregivers of autistic children in all communities, we need more information to identify possible barriers that may affect caregiver involvement. We used a survey to ask 81 Chinese caregivers of autistic children in Guangzhou, China to investigate their familiarity with EBPs for autistic individuals and any external sources used inform their decision about treatment options for their autistic child. Results showed that 58.6% of the participants had no knowledge of what an EBP was and an additional 29.7% of the participants had heard of EBPs but not sure what they were. These results amplify the need for increased dispersion of ASD intervention knowledge to global communities and how to increase caregiver knowledge on treatment options for their autistic child.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amber M Reilly
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Special Education, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Hamdi Abas
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Qichao Pan
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Maria L Hugh
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Self-Directed Web-Based Parent-Mediated Interventions for Autistic Children: A systematic review. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40489-022-00307-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Wilson M, Whelan T, Milne L, Hamilton D, Jacobs D, Pilkington P. A thematic analysis of influences on parents' autism intervention decisions. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2021; 117:104035. [PMID: 34329855 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Factors impacting parents' selection of interventions for their child on the autism spectrum need to be understood in order to better support decision-making. The aim of the current study was to explore parent-reported influences on decisions. METHOD A sample of 14 Australian parents (13 mothers; 1 father) of a child (4-11 years) diagnosed on the autism spectrum were interviewed about their decisions regarding the use of interventions. A thematic analysis was used to identify prominent themes. FINDINGS A total of three themes, comprising 11 subthemes were identified. The primary themes were: finding interventions; meeting child and family needs; and acceptability and access. CONCLUSION Parents' responses highlighted influences on decisions to use evidence-based practices (e.g., behavioural therapies and social skills programs), as well as those with limited empirical support (e.g., animal-assisted therapy and dietary intervention). Influences frequently reported in extant research were reported by parents in this study (e.g., recommendations, logistics of access, and children's individual needs) as well as issues that warrant further investigation (e.g., coping with challenges and stress, importance of intervention intensity, and consideration of the whole family).
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Wilson
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Australia.
| | - Thomas Whelan
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Australia
| | - Lisa Milne
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Australia
| | - David Hamilton
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Australia
| | - Diane Jacobs
- School of Allied Health, Australian Catholic University, Australia
| | - Pamela Pilkington
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Australia
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Turgeon S, Lanovaz MJ. Perceptions of Behavior Analysis in France: Accuracy and Tone of Posts in an Internet Forum on Autism. BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL ISSUES 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s42822-021-00057-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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8
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Curtiss SL, Stoffers M. Disseminating Resources Online for Teaching Sex Education to People with Developmental Disabilities. SEXUALITY AND DISABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11195-021-09703-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Tan-MacNeill KM, Smith IM, Johnson SA, Chorney J, Corkum P. A systematic review of online parent-implemented interventions for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. CHILDRENS HEALTH CARE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/02739615.2021.1886934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kim M. Tan-MacNeill
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Isabel M. Smith
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Shannon A. Johnson
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Jill Chorney
- Paediatric Anaesthesia, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, New Brunswick, Canada
- Anesthesia, Pain Management, and Perioperative Medicine, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Halifax, Canada
| | - Penny Corkum
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Weissheimer G, Mazza VDA, Freitas CASL, Silva SRD. Informational support for families of children with autism spectrum disorder. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 42:e20200076. [PMID: 33656166 DOI: 10.1590/1983-1447.2021.20200076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the sources of informational support used by families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. METHOD Qualitative and descriptive research carried out in three health institutions and three teaching institutions in Paraná, Ceará and Amapá. 55 family members participated who responded to semi-structured interviews, between September 2018 and 2019. Thematic categorical analysis and the resources of Qualitative Data Analysis Software were used. RESULTS Families find informational support from several sources, both formal and informal, such as the internet and other sources (books, Workshops, courses, television). CONCLUSION Families use different sources of information, however, often incomplete and contradictory, which can generate a new demand on health professionals, in order to integrate access to information in the health care process, since they must be considering benefits and weaknesses that this represents for society.
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Weissheimer G, Santana JM, Ruthes VBTNM, Mazza VDA. Necessary Information for the Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Integrative Review. AQUICHAN 2020. [DOI: 10.5294/aqui.2020.20.2.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To identify the available evidence on the necessary information for the families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Method: An integrative literature review carried out in six databases with specific descriptors for each one. Studies published on the theme between January 2014 and February 2020 available in full and free of charge were selected. For synthesis and analysis of data, thematic categorization was performed. 41 articles were included.
Results: Two thematic categories were obtained. In the first category (“need for information”), the families’ lack of knowledge about ASD (treatment, how to deal with the child’s behavior, and future perspectives), rights of the child with ASD, and resources to obtain information were identified. The second category (“information support sources accessed by the families”) comprised informal sources (family members, friends, neighbors, and parents of children with ASD), formal sources (professionals and institutions), the Internet, and other resources (books, workshops, podcasts). Positive and negative aspects were found in the use of these sources.
Conclusions: A pattern of information requested by the family was verified, as well as sources used to obtain it. These data are relevant to support the organization of sources of informational support for the families and the community.
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Petrenko CL, Parr J, Kautz C, Tapparello C, Olson HC. A Mobile Health Intervention for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (Families Moving Forward Connect): Development and Qualitative Evaluation of Design and Functionalities. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2020; 8:e14721. [PMID: 32250274 PMCID: PMC7171567 DOI: 10.2196/14721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) affect approximately 2% to 5% of the US population. However, most families are unable to access FASD-informed interventions. Barriers to care include the lack of a knowledgeable and skilled workforce and family-level barriers such as limited financial resources, inability to access childcare, and stigma. As a result, families often try peer-to-peer and self-help support strategies. However, they often take these strategies from disparate sources, which have quite variable intervention quality and empirical support. Objective This study aimed to initiate systematic development and evaluation of a mobile health intervention (app) for caregivers raising children with FASD. Focus groups were conducted to elicit participant perspectives on app design and functionalities to inform further app development. Methods The app, called FMF Connect, was derived from the scientifically validated Families Moving Forward (FMF) Program, a clinician-delivered behavioral consultation intervention. FMF Connect was intended for caregiver self-delivery and included five main components: (1) Learning Modules, (2) Family Forum, (3) Library, (4) Notebook, and (5) Dashboard. Focus group methods were used to solicit perspectives from diverse families during the early stages of app development. Questions were asked about interface design, relevance of components and content, and perceived barriers and facilitators of use. A total of 25 caregivers participated in 7 focus groups across 5 US cities. Data were analyzed thematically. Results Focus group participants were generally enthusiastic about the app interface design and components. Four global positive impression themes emerged, including (1) ease of access, (2) how the app guides and organizes information, (3) connection to other users and information, and (4) ability to share some content with others. Themes arose not only in discussions relating to positive app features but also when participants were asked about motivators for app use. Participants related how these positive global themes could address some system-level barriers, such as limited access to services, feeling isolated, and increased advocacy needs related to the societal lack of FASD knowledge. Participants identified many positive features about individual app components and functionalities. They also communicated potential barriers to use and raised important concerns and considerations relating to several app components. These included recognizability of the app based on the logo, and the balance of following the planned intervention sequence versus obtaining immediate answers. Also mentioned were privacy and dynamics within the Family Forum. Conclusions FMF Connect is a promising novel intervention with potential to reach many families in need and reduce significant barriers to care, resulting in a broader public health impact. Study findings will guide further app development both in terms of content and technological advances to optimize intervention effects. FMF Connect app development provides useful directions for other apps aimed at changing parenting practices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer Parr
- Mt Hope Family Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Carson Kautz
- Mt Hope Family Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Cristiano Tapparello
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Heather Carmichael Olson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, NY, United States.,Center for Child Health, Behavior, and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
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Hall CM. Parent Consultation and Transitional Care for Military Families of Children with Autism: A Teleconsultation Implementation Project. JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSULTATION 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/10474412.2018.1425879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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