Service Coordinators’ Perceptions of Autism-Specific Screening and Referral Practices in Early Intervention

Abstract

Service coordinators in a statewide early intervention program were surveyed to develop an understanding of screening and referral practices to identify children on the autism spectrum. Quantitative and qualitative data summarizing autism-specific screening and referral practices are reported. More than 50% of the respondents reported that they had never received a referral from a physician or another early intervention provider because a child has failed an autism-specific screening. While service coordinators identified that early intervention providers have a role in conducting autism-specific screening, more than 50% of the respondents indicated that they do not see autism-specific screening completed in early intervention settings. More than 80% of the respondents identified “a lack of knowledge” as the most significant barrier to autism-specific screening. Together, these findings suggest that early intervention providers may benefit from professional development that imparts knowledge, teaches skills, and addresses potential concerns of parents related to autism.