Effect of Family Navigation on Diagnostic Ascertainment Among Children at Risk for Autism: A Randomized Clinical Trial From DBPNet
April 29, 2021
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33427861/
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Researchers from the Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics Research Network (DBPNet) recently published an article in the Journal of American Medical Association, Pediatrics (JAMA). The citation, abstract, and key points can be found below.
Citation
Abstract
Early identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with improved cognitive and behavioral outcomes. Targeted strategies are needed to support equitable access to diagnostic services to ensure that children from low-income and racial/ethnic minority families receive the benefits of early ASD identification and treatment. The objective of this study is to test the efficacy of family navigation (FN), an individually tailored, culturally informed care management strategy, to increase the likelihood of achieving diagnostic ascertainment among young children at risk for ASD.
Key Points
Question: Does family navigation (FN), an individually tailored, culturally informed care management strategy, increase the likelihood of achieving diagnostic ascertainment among children from low-income, racial/ethnic minority families who have positive screening results for autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?
Findings: In this multisite randomized clinical trial of 249 children aged 15 to 27 months, FN decreased the time to diagnostic ascertainment and increased the likelihood of diagnostic ascertainment over the course of 1 year. However, Hispanic ethnicity and site moderated the effect of FN.
Meaning: Family navigation is a promising approach to improve early ASD diagnosis among children from low-income, racial/ethnic minority families; its effects may be contextually dependent.
