Consequences of Delayed Access to Early Intervention, Autism Evaluation and Diagnosis

2022

Early intervention (EI) can change developmental trajectories and improve the lives of families and children (Karoly, 2005). Unfortunately, up to 80 % of children referred to EI programs do not complete an evaluation (Moore, 2017). Studied barriers to families completing the evaluation process for EI include communication problems with pediatricians, parents not understanding the EI referral process, practical barriers such as families losing the phone number to the EI program, and families confusing EI programs with child protective services (Jimenez, 2012). The long-term consequences of children experiencing delayed access, and/or not being able to access EI programs prior to turning 3 years of age, are not well understood. This study proposes to look at both short and long-term outcomes of individuals who had facilitated, timely access to EI services and/or autism diagnosis and services, in comparison to those who had delayed and/or no access services and/or appropriate diagnosis.

Performing Direct and/or Demonstration Services, Other Direct/Model Services

Education & Early Intervention, Health-Related Activities

Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN

Specific Groups

State

N/A