Improving Diagnostic Triage in Adult Autism Evaluation: A Multi-Level Screening Protocol
Leandrew Aponte
Co-Presenters: Lily Chiu
College: College of Health Professions and Human Services
Major: PSYD.SCHL/CLNL
Faculty Research Mentor: Gubi, Aaron
Abstract:
Title: Improving Diagnostic Triage in Adult Autism Evaluation: A Multi-Level Screening ProtocolAuthor: Lily Chiu and Leandrew Aponte, Department of Psychology, Kean UniversityIntroduction/BackgroundAccessing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnostic and treatment services in the New Jersey region for children frequently has wait times ranging from 18 months to 2 years. The increasing demand for adult autism evaluations, coupled with a rise in ASD prevalence nationwide, risks further straining the child diagnostic system for autism identification. This project seeks to improve access for autism evaluations among the adult New Jersey population, more efficiently support adults with a non-ASD profile in attaining services they need, while also strengthening the child-serving autism identification and service system by prioritizing resources for this vulnerable population.MethodsThe study will implement a prospective cohort design being conducted through the Center for Autism Assessment and Research Services (CAARS) and a community training clinic within the Kean University's Department of Advanced studies in Psychology department. Self-referred adults will be tasked in completing a Level 1 screening battery. This includes brief screenings for autism, mental health, and personality concerns, as well as developmental history measures. Participants who meet the required criteria will advance into the Level 2 targeted assessment, which will clarify diagnostic criteria and either support or rule out a Level 3 comprehensive diagnostic evaluation. An analysis will be conducted concurrently to examine the predictive validity of screening measures and ASD diagnostic outcomes.Conclusion/ImpactThis project aims to reduce long wait times for adults seeking ASD assessment and treatment, helping those without ASD profiles achieve more appropriate clinical profiles to better inform their care and treatment. The systematic problems of long wait lists and inefficient treatment will be addressed using the multi-level screening process that improves diagnostic triage and access.Key Words:ASD, Assessment, Treatment, Diagnostic