Training Part C Providers to Screen for Autism Spectrum Disorder Using an Online Training Module: A Pilot Study

Part C early intervention (EI) providers have identified a need for professional development focused on screening for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and speaking with families about ASD (Pizur-Barkenow et al, 2013; Stone et al., 2019; Tomlin et al., 2013; Wiegand et al., in preparation). To address this gap and connect research to practice, the current study will focus on the development and piloting of an online training module entitled Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Part C: Knowledge, Skills, and Family Conversations. Content of the module will be informed by the latest research in the field of ASD and Part C practices as well as qualitative interviews with Part C EI providers to understand their unique perspectives and training needs. The online training module will address the following topics: screening for ASD in Part C, including the early signs of ASD; administration of the The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F; Robins et al., 2009); how to communicate information about ASD, red flags of ASD, and screening results to families; and how to screen for ASD and communicate with families with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Content experts will review the module and provide input to inform the final version. Once refinements are made, Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Part C: Knowledge, Skills, and Family Conversations will be piloted with 30 EI providers. Participant gains in knowledge and self-efficacy will be measured using a pre-test/post-test design. Participants will also provide feedback on the social validity of the module. The ultimate goal of this project is to create an online training module designed to improve the knowledge and confidence of Part C EI providers as they screen for ASD and work to improve child and family outcomes.