ERIC Number: EJ1337365
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022-Jul
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0033-3085
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Increasing Resources for Autism Evaluation and Support for Under-Resourced Schools through a State-Wide School Telehealth Initiative
Shahidullah, Jeffrey D.; Brinster, Meredith; Patel, Puja; Cannady, Mariel; Krishnan, Ankita; Talebi, Hani; Mani, Nithya
Psychology in the Schools, v59 n7 p1295-1307 Jul 2022
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disability affecting 1 in 44 children nationally. Timely referral to intervention and support services for ASD has consistently demonstrated significant long-term positive effects on symptoms and subsequent skills and family outcomes. This paper highlights a novel and innovative approach of short-term consultations for best practices to ultimately increase access to timely ASD evaluations and support through a state-wide school telehealth initiative. The goal of the initiative was to facilitate rapid access to ASD evaluation and support (within 2 weeks of referral in school-age youth) among under-resourced school systems in Central Texas. First, this paper provides background relative to current disparities that many children face when attempting to obtain ASD evaluations and support. Second, a statewide legislative response is described that created a mental health consortium targeting increased access to broad-based mental health services and supports, particularly in underserved areas. Next, the Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT) program is outlined with a particular focus on day-to-day operationality and concentrated efforts to increase mental health literacy among school teams relative to ASD symptoms and co-occurring behavioral health concerns. Year 1 utilization data metrics (September 2020-May 2021) and representative case examples are presented. Finally, early "lessons learned" and future directions are discussed.
Descriptors: Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Telecommunications, Mental Health, State Legislation, Access to Health Care, Health Programs, Disadvantaged Schools, Children, Adolescents, School Health Services
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www-wiley-com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Texas
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A