ERIC Number: EJ1307474
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021-Oct
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1362-3613
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
An Investigation of Adherence to Best Practice Guidelines for Autism Diagnosis in New Zealand
Taylor, Lauren J.; Eggleston, Matthew J. F.; Thabrew, Hiran; van der Meer, Larah; Waddington, Hannah; Whitehouse, Andrew J. O.; Evans, Kiah
Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, v25 n7 p2087-2100 Oct 2021
Recent studies of autism diagnosis in New Zealand have revealed inconsistent implementation of best practice standards in autism assessment and high rates of parental dissatisfaction with the diagnostic process. These findings have arisen despite the development and dissemination of the New Zealand Autism Spectrum Disorder Guideline (the Guideline). In this study, we investigated current diagnostic processes, and adherence to the Guideline in New Zealand, for an opportunity sample of 117 health professionals who practice across a wide range of diagnostic services, health professionals and geographic regions in New Zealand. The results show considerable variability in practice, and suggest specific areas for improvement. These include the robustness of diagnostic evaluations conducted in private settings, the provision of specialist assessment services for youth and adults presenting for autism diagnosis, and the uniformity of post-diagnostic supports and services. These findings have implications for further implementation of the Guideline in New Zealand.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Clinical Diagnosis, Diagnostic Tests, Guidelines, Allied Health Personnel, Geographic Regions, Public Agencies, Private Agencies, Child Development, Behavior Rating Scales, Disability Identification, Intervention, Services, Symptoms (Individual Disorders)
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New Zealand
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Bayley Scales of Infant Development; Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children; Leiter International Performance Scale; Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals; Preschool Language Scale; Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A