Autism Identification and Collaborative Care

Description

According to 2020 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, March 2023), among children aged 8 years, 1 in 36 were identified as having autism. Identification and care of autistic children is complicated by the heterogeneity and severity of symptoms of autism. Research indicates that a valid and reliable diagnosis of autism can be made at 2 years of age, however, the average age of diagnosis is 4 years. Earlier identification of autism can lead to early diagnosis, early engagement in intervention services, and positive impacts for children and families. Given the prevalence of autism in children and youth, primary care clinicians need to be prepared to identify children early, ensure timely diagnostic evaluations, and manage and care for autistic children and youth. 

This course will increase knowledge among pediatric clinicians on evidence-based practices for screening, evaluation, referral and management of autistic children and youth and their families.

This course consists of six modules that can be taken in any order.

The modules do not have to be completed in sequential order, however, all six must be completed and the post assessment passed in order to obtain CME and MOC credits.

Module 1: Neurodiversity, Social, and Medical Models

Objectives

• Describe neurodiversity in the context of autism.  
• Explain how social and medical models impact interactions of physicians and patients and their families.  

Module 2: Characteristics, Surveillance, and Screening

Objectives 

• Describe the heterogeneous clinical characteristics and traits of autism.
• Describe surveillance and screening methods for early identification of autism in primary care.  

Module 3: Definition and Diagnosis

• Objectives 
• Define autism using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) framework.  
• Identify best practices for accurately documenting autism diagnosis.
• Describe strategies for supporting families during the diagnostic process. 

Module 4: Co-occurring Conditions

Objectives 

• Identify management strategies for co-occurring conditions
• Identify conditions that can co-occur with autism. 

Module 5: Caring for Patients

Objectives

• Identify appropriate support and services within the medical home for autistic children and their families.
• Explain strategies for establishing a positive referral and collaborative management process.

Module 6: Partnering with Patients and Families

Objectives 

• Identify ways to support patients and families during a visit to the medical home.
• Describe strategies for establishing continual partnerships with families and autistic children across the lifespan.

Course Details

• Start Date: July 31, 2024
• Online Access Expires: July 30, 2027
• Credit Expires: July 30, 2027
• Course ID: 61588

Acknowledgements

This project is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $150,000 with 100 percent funding by the CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

Faculty

Edward Baffoe, MS

Gyasi Burks-Abbott, MS

Kate Wallis, MD, MPH, FAAP

Jennifer Zubler, MD, FAAP

Alice Kuo, MD, PhD