Increasing Resources for Autism Evaluation and Support for Under-Resourced Schools through a State-Wide School Telehealth Initiative

Autor/inn/en	Shahidullah, Jeffrey D.; Brinster, Meredith; Patel, Puja; Cannady, Mariel; Krishnan, Ankita; Talebi, Hani; Mani, Nithya
Titel	Increasing Resources for Autism Evaluation and Support for Under-Resourced Schools through a State-Wide School Telehealth Initiative
Quelle	In: Psychology in the Schools, 59 (2022) 7, S.1295-1307 (13 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Zusatzinformation	ORCID (Shahidullah, Jeffrey D.)
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0033-3085
DOI	10.1002/pits.22642
Schlagwörter	Autism; Pervasive Developmental Disorders; Telecommunications; Mental Health; State Legislation; Access to Health Care; Health Programs; Disadvantaged Schools; Children; Adolescents; School Health Services; Texas + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Autismus; Telekommunikationstechnik; Psychohygiene; Landesrecht; Child; Kind; Kinder; Adolescent; Adolescence; Adoleszenz; Jugend; Jugendalter; Jugendlicher; Schuleingangsuntersuchung
Abstract	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. (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	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/en-us
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01