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Adelson RP, Ciobanu M, Garikipati A, Castell NJ, Singh NP, Barnes G, Rumph JK, Mao Q, Roane HS, Vaish A, Das R. Family-Centric Applied Behavior Analysis Facilitates Improved Treatment Utilization and Outcomes. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2409. [PMID: 38673682 PMCID: PMC11051390 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13082409] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objective: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by lifelong impacts on functional social and daily living skills, and restricted, repetitive behaviors (RRBs). Applied behavior analysis (ABA), the gold-standard treatment for ASD, has been extensively validated. ABA access is hindered by limited availability of qualified professionals and logistical and financial barriers. Scientifically validated, parent-led ABA can fill the accessibility gap by overcoming treatment barriers. This retrospective cohort study examines how our ABA treatment model, utilizing parent behavior technicians (pBTs) to deliver ABA, impacts adaptive behaviors and interfering behaviors (IBs) in a cohort of children on the autism spectrum with varying ASD severity levels, and with or without clinically significant IBs. Methods: Clinical outcomes of 36 patients ages 3-15 years were assessed using longitudinal changes in Vineland-3 after 3+ months of pBT-delivered ABA treatment. Results: Within the pBT model, our patients demonstrated clinically significant improvements in Vineland-3 Composite, domain, and subdomain scores, and utilization was higher in severe ASD. pBTs utilized more prescribed ABA when children initiated treatment with clinically significant IBs, and these children also showed greater gains in their Composite scores. Study limitations include sample size, inter-rater reliability, potential assessment metric bias and schedule variability, and confounding intrinsic or extrinsic factors. Conclusion: Overall, our pBT model facilitated high treatment utilization and showed robust effectiveness, achieving improved adaptive behaviors and reduced IBs when compared to conventional ABA delivery. The pBT model is a strong contender to fill the widening treatment accessibility gap and represents a powerful tool for addressing systemic problems in ABA treatment delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert P. Adelson
- Montera, Inc., dba Forta, Research and Development, 548 Market St., PMB 89605, San Francisco, CA 94104-5401, USA; (R.P.A.); (M.C.); (A.G.); (N.J.C.); (N.P.S.); (G.B.); (A.V.); (R.D.)
| | - Madalina Ciobanu
- Montera, Inc., dba Forta, Research and Development, 548 Market St., PMB 89605, San Francisco, CA 94104-5401, USA; (R.P.A.); (M.C.); (A.G.); (N.J.C.); (N.P.S.); (G.B.); (A.V.); (R.D.)
| | - Anurag Garikipati
- Montera, Inc., dba Forta, Research and Development, 548 Market St., PMB 89605, San Francisco, CA 94104-5401, USA; (R.P.A.); (M.C.); (A.G.); (N.J.C.); (N.P.S.); (G.B.); (A.V.); (R.D.)
| | - Natalie J. Castell
- Montera, Inc., dba Forta, Research and Development, 548 Market St., PMB 89605, San Francisco, CA 94104-5401, USA; (R.P.A.); (M.C.); (A.G.); (N.J.C.); (N.P.S.); (G.B.); (A.V.); (R.D.)
| | - Navan Preet Singh
- Montera, Inc., dba Forta, Research and Development, 548 Market St., PMB 89605, San Francisco, CA 94104-5401, USA; (R.P.A.); (M.C.); (A.G.); (N.J.C.); (N.P.S.); (G.B.); (A.V.); (R.D.)
| | - Gina Barnes
- Montera, Inc., dba Forta, Research and Development, 548 Market St., PMB 89605, San Francisco, CA 94104-5401, USA; (R.P.A.); (M.C.); (A.G.); (N.J.C.); (N.P.S.); (G.B.); (A.V.); (R.D.)
| | - Jodi Kim Rumph
- Montera, Inc., dba Forta, Research and Development, 548 Market St., PMB 89605, San Francisco, CA 94104-5401, USA; (R.P.A.); (M.C.); (A.G.); (N.J.C.); (N.P.S.); (G.B.); (A.V.); (R.D.)
| | - Qingqing Mao
- Montera, Inc., dba Forta, Research and Development, 548 Market St., PMB 89605, San Francisco, CA 94104-5401, USA; (R.P.A.); (M.C.); (A.G.); (N.J.C.); (N.P.S.); (G.B.); (A.V.); (R.D.)
| | - Henry S. Roane
- Madison-Irving Medical Center, Upstate Medical University, 475 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13210-1756, USA;
| | - Anshu Vaish
- Montera, Inc., dba Forta, Research and Development, 548 Market St., PMB 89605, San Francisco, CA 94104-5401, USA; (R.P.A.); (M.C.); (A.G.); (N.J.C.); (N.P.S.); (G.B.); (A.V.); (R.D.)
| | - Ritankar Das
- Montera, Inc., dba Forta, Research and Development, 548 Market St., PMB 89605, San Francisco, CA 94104-5401, USA; (R.P.A.); (M.C.); (A.G.); (N.J.C.); (N.P.S.); (G.B.); (A.V.); (R.D.)
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Pazol K, Tian LH, DiGuiseppi C, Durkin MS, Fallin MD, Moody EJ, Nadler C, Powell PS, Reyes N, Robinson B, Ryerson AB, Thierry JM, Tinker SC, Wiggins LD, Yeargin-Allsopp M. Health and Education Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Other Developmental Disabilities. J Dev Behav Pediatr 2024; 45:e31-e38. [PMID: 38364085 PMCID: PMC10963045 DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0000000000001227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Understanding how the COVID-19 pandemic affected children with disabilities is essential for future public health emergencies. We compared children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with those with another developmental disability (DD) and from the general population (POP) regarding (1) missed or delayed appointments for regular health/dental services, immunizations, and specialty services; (2) reasons for difficulty accessing care; and (3) use of remote learning and school supports. METHOD Caregivers of children previously enrolled in the Study to Explore Early Development, a case-control study of children with ASD implemented during 2017 to 2020, were recontacted during January-June 2021 to learn about services during March-December 2020. Children were classified as ASD, DD, or POP during the initial study and were aged 3.4 to 7.5 years when their caregivers were recontacted during the pandemic. RESULTS Over half of all children missed or delayed regular health/dental appointments (58.4%-65.2%). More children in the ASD versus DD and POP groups missed or delayed specialty services (75.7%, 58.3%, and 22.8%, respectively) and reported difficulties obtaining care of any type because of issues using telehealth and difficulty wearing a mask. During school closures, a smaller proportion of children with ASD versus another DD were offered live online classes (84.3% vs 91.1%), while a larger proportion had disrupted individualized education programs (50.0% vs 36.2%). CONCLUSION Minimizing service disruptions for all children and ensuring continuity of specialty care for children with ASD is essential for future public health emergencies. Children may need additional services to compensate for disruptions during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Pazol
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Lin H. Tian
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Carolyn DiGuiseppi
- Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | | | | | - Eric J. Moody
- University of Wyoming Institute for Disabilities, Laramie, WY
| | - Cy Nadler
- Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Patrick S. Powell
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Nuri Reyes
- Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Britney Robinson
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - JoAnn M. Thierry
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Sarah C. Tinker
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Lisa D. Wiggins
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Marshalyn Yeargin-Allsopp
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
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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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Zhang W, Thompson KL, Watson LR, LaForett DR. Health Care Utilization for Privately and Publicly Insured Children During Autism Insurance Reform. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:5042-5049. [PMID: 34816340 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05370-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We examined the effects of insurance type on health service utilization among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) following autism insurance reform by analyzing the most recent data from the 2019 National Survey of Children's Health. Families with private insurance were less likely to report that their health insurance covered needed services compared to families with public insurance. Privately versus publicly insured children were not significantly different in receiving behavioral or medication treatment, or in parental frustration in efforts to obtain services. However, parents' frustration escalated with increased ASD severity. Findings from this study suggest the need for continuing to improve implementation of health insurance reform legislation and providing adequate ASD-related services for children with private insurance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanqing Zhang
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 321 S. Columbia Street, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7122, USA.
| | - Kelsey L Thompson
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 321 S. Columbia Street, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7122, USA
| | - Linda R Watson
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 321 S. Columbia Street, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7122, USA
| | - Doré R LaForett
- Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Liu G, Velott DL, Kong L, Dick AW, Mandell DS, Stein BD, Murray MJ, Ba DM, Cidav Z, Leslie DL. The Association of the Medicaid 1915(c) Home and Community-Based Services Waivers with Emergency Department Utilization among Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:1587-1597. [PMID: 33966133 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05060-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Using the 2008-2013 Medicaid Analytic eXtract files, this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the effect of Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver programs on emergency department (ED) utilizations among youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our study showed that the annual ED utilization rates were 13.5% and 18.8% for individuals on autism specific and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) waivers respectively, vs. 28.5% for those without a waiver. Multivariable logistic regression showed that, compared to no waiver, autism specific waivers (adjusted odds ratio: 0.62; 95% Confidence Interval: [0.58-0.66]) and IDD waivers (0.65; [0.64-0.66]) were strongly associated with reduced ED. These findings suggest that HCBS waivers are effective in reducing the incidence of ED visits among youth with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guodong Liu
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, 90 Hope Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA.
| | - Diana L Velott
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, 90 Hope Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Lan Kong
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, 90 Hope Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Andrew W Dick
- The RAND Corporation, 4570 Fifth Ave #600, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - David S Mandell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 3535 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Bradley D Stein
- The RAND Corporation, 4570 Fifth Ave #600, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Michael J Murray
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Djibril M Ba
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, 90 Hope Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Zuleyha Cidav
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 3535 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Douglas L Leslie
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, 90 Hope Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
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