RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Researchers employed two recruitment strategies in a school-based comparative effectiveness trial for students with a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism. This study assessed the: 1) effectiveness of school-based referrals for identifying students meeting diagnostic criteria and 2) impact of eliminating requirements for existing diagnoses on recruitment, sample characteristics, and intervention response. METHOD: Autistic students and students with ADHD in schools serving underresourced communities were recruited for an executive functioning (EF) intervention trial over 2 years. In Year 1, school staff nominated students with previous diagnoses. In Year 2, school staff nominated students demonstrating EF challenges associated with ADHD or autism; previous diagnosis was not required. Study staff then confirmed diagnoses. RESULTS: More students were included in Year 2 (N = 106) than Year 1 (N = 37). In Year 2, 96% of students referred by school staff met diagnostic criteria for ADHD or autism, 53% of whom were not previously diagnosed. Newly identified students were less likely than previously diagnosed students to be receiving services and, for those with ADHD, were more likely to speak primarily Spanish at home. Previously diagnosed and newly identified students did not differ on other demographic variables or intervention response. Caregivers of previously diagnosed students reported more symptoms than caregivers of newly identified students for both diagnostic groups. Previously diagnosed students with ADHD had more researcher-rated symptoms than newly identified students. CONCLUSIONS: Recruitment for an intervention study using behavior-based referrals from school staff enhanced enrollment without compromising the sample's diagnostic integrity and engaged children who otherwise would have been excluded.
RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: The present study provides pilot data investigating relationships between severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) traits, community supports, and other family variables as reported by caregivers of children with ASD in Chile. METHOD: An anonymous caregiver survey was developed based on previous ASD survey studies conducted in the United States and direct input from collaborators residing in Chile. Participants included Chilean caregivers of individuals with ASD (N = 50; Mchild age = 6.98). The survey addressed topics regarding the child's ASD traits, the caregiver's beliefs and perceptions of ASD, and community supports and engagement. RESULTS: Correlational analyses indicated associations between ASD traits, physician support, family stress, stigma, and community engagement. DISCUSSION: Results from this study highlight the importance of future research to better understand and treat Latin American children with ASD and their families. (PsycINFO Database Record
