Differences in Processing Time, Show Rates, and Parent Perception of Autism Related Services Subsequent to Implementation of An in-Person Intake

Background: The waiting list for diagnostic services related to autism is often very long and there is a challenge to create support and resource services for families while they wait for their child’s evaluation. Families also struggle with a loss of time in accessing services while they wait for their initial appointment. Our department developed an in-person intake procedure to determine evaluation needs and identify services that families can access without waiting for the evaluation. The service coordinator also acts in a supportive role for parents to help educate them on the topics surrounding autism and prepare them for the evaluation process. There is a question as to whether the service coordinator role within an autism program can improve the efficiency of the program.

Objectives: The objective in this study was to examine (1) show rates and time from referral to completion of the evaluation and (2) parent perception of support and the evaluation process subsequent to implementing service coordinators to conduct initial intake procedures.

Methods: Rate of completion of the intake packet and length of time from referral to completion of the evaluation was collected for 2008. Parental show rate for the initial interview and length of time from referral to completion of the evaluation were collected subsequent to implementation of in-person initial intake (January 2009). Additionally, families who completed the evaluation process were sent survey designed to assess impression of the evaluation process.

Results: Rates of parent initiation of the evaluation process and length of time until completion of the evaluation will be compared based upon type of intake procedure.  Qualitative analysis of parent impressions will examine perceptions of emotional support, access to intervention services, and efficiency of the diagnostic process (effectiveness of the service coordinators, length of wait time for an evaluation) will also be conducted.

Conclusions: The impact of in-person intake on the efficiency of the diagnostic evaluation services will be discussed.  Potential reasons for changes in efficiency (e.g., parental ability to complete the intake information, screening out unnecessary evaluations) will be discussed.  Parental perceptions of support, resource information, and sense of empowerment gained via meeting with the service coordinators will be examined.