Abstract
Introduction: Autism is a highly prevalent and complex group of neurodevelopmental conditions which affects1 in 100 children globally. Early detection of autism is important to improve developmental outcomes. There are a range of tools available to identify young children who are showing early signs of autism.
Objective: This translational research aims to investigate the feasibility of implementing highly sensitive and specific developmental surveillance tools and systems that have been recently validated in Australia through large-scale studies, to be adapted and implemented internationally through influential policies such as the Centres for Disease Control’s (CDC) Learn the Signs, Act Early program in the United States.
Method: Qualitative, semi-structured interviews, employing an elite interviewing methodology, were con-ducted with a purposive sample of participants who were selected due to their professional roles in contributing expert advice to the development of government policy guidelines related to population-based monitoring of the development of young children. Results:
Results inform understanding of the enablers and barriers to application of best practice surveillance tools from the perspective of influential policy-makers and has provided an opportunity to share knowledge o best available evidence, tools and guidance for industry leaders when informing early childhood development policy and directives.
Conclusion: Research to translate new evidence in alignment with international guidelines and recommendations broadens collaboration and capacity to build skills and knowledge of the workforce of a diverse range of early childhood professionals to utilise the most effective tools to accurately detect and support young children showing early signs of autism.
Objective: This translational research aims to investigate the feasibility of implementing highly sensitive and specific developmental surveillance tools and systems that have been recently validated in Australia through large-scale studies, to be adapted and implemented internationally through influential policies such as the Centres for Disease Control’s (CDC) Learn the Signs, Act Early program in the United States.
Method: Qualitative, semi-structured interviews, employing an elite interviewing methodology, were con-ducted with a purposive sample of participants who were selected due to their professional roles in contributing expert advice to the development of government policy guidelines related to population-based monitoring of the development of young children. Results:
Results inform understanding of the enablers and barriers to application of best practice surveillance tools from the perspective of influential policy-makers and has provided an opportunity to share knowledge o best available evidence, tools and guidance for industry leaders when informing early childhood development policy and directives.
Conclusion: Research to translate new evidence in alignment with international guidelines and recommendations broadens collaboration and capacity to build skills and knowledge of the workforce of a diverse range of early childhood professionals to utilise the most effective tools to accurately detect and support young children showing early signs of autism.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Journal | Australian Occupational Therapy Journal |
| Volume | 70 |
| Issue number | Supp. 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 23 Jun 2023 |
| Event | Occupational Therapy Australia 30th National Conference and Exhibition - Cairns, Australia Duration: 21 Jun 2023 → 23 Jun 2023 Conference number: 30 https://otaus.com.au/events/occupational-therapy-australia-30th-national-conference-and-exhibition-2023 |