The implementation of the screening tool for autism in toddlers in Part C early intervention programs: An 18-month follow-up.

Researchers trained 69 early intervention workers to use a screening tool called STAT to help identify autism in toddlers. After training, workers felt more confident recognizing early autism signs. About 45% were still using the tool with families 18 months later. The study suggests this screening tool can work in early intervention programs, but it might be better to have specific workers focus on screening rather than expecting everyone to use it.

This study evaluated the implementation of the Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers (STAT) among 69 Part C Early Intervention providers following a one-day training workshop. The research tracked provider usage and knowledge retention over 18 months. Results showed providers reported increased knowledge about recognizing early autism signs post-training, with approximately 45% continuing to use STAT with families in their caseloads at the 18-month follow-up. The findings suggest STAT is feasible within Early Intervention settings but indicate that designated screening specialists may be more effective than expecting universal provider adoption.

The study highlights the potential for improving early autism detection through structured training programs for intervention providers.

STAT training appears feasible for Early Intervention providers and can improve autism screening knowledge. However, implementation success may depend on identifying suitable providers or agencies for screening roles. Programs should consider designated screening specialists rather than expecting universal adoption among all providers.

Study lacks detailed methodology description, control group comparison, and objective measures of screening effectiveness. Sample size of providers is relatively small, and the study doesn't report on actual autism detection rates or child outcomes following screening implementation.

The early detection of autism spectrum disorder can lead to access to autism spectrum disorder-specific services that have been shown to have a large impact on a child's overall development. Although a stable diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder can be made by age 2 years, most children are not diagnosed until much later. To address this issue, this study examined the effectiveness of training Part C Early Intervention providers to use an interactive autism spectrum disorder screening tool, the Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers. Sixty-nine providers attended a 1-day training workshop on the use of the Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers.

After the workshop, providers reported increased knowledge about recognizing the early signs of autism spectrum disorder, and about 45% of the providers reported using the Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers with families in their caseloads 18 months after the training. These results suggest that the Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers is feasible for use within Early Intervention settings. In addition, they suggest that specific providers might serve as a screening "point-person," rather than expecting the Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers to be used by all providers. Future research should aim to identify specific characteristics of agencies or providers that might be best suited for using the Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers.