Preliminary Evidence for the Integrated Systems Using Telemedicine.

BACKGROUND: Autism affects as many as 1 in 68 children in the United States. Early identification and access to intervention services promote improved outcomes for children with autism and other developmental delays. Children living in rural and underserved areas have limited access to such services and are diagnosed later than those living more suburban and urban areas. Our Integrated Systems Using Telemedicine (ISUT) Model uses a cost-effective method for families to access diagnostic and other specialty care through telemedicine. This model links families, trained early intervention providers and educators, and university-based medical professionals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We trained autism diagnostic teams throughout the state who completed diagnostic measures and connected to university medical center teams for final diagnosis of autism and coexisting conditions. We gathered preliminary data to measure the impact of the ISUT model on access to services, potential cost savings for families, and parent satisfaction with the model. RESULTS: Preliminary data indicate that our ISUT model provided families in rural and underserved areas improved access to diagnostic services as well as cost savings for travel. Our satisfaction data indicate that parents are equally satisfied with services received through the ISUT and through the University-Based Medical Center Team Model. CONCLUSIONS: The ISUT model provides a unique collaboration among the family, educational system, autism experts in the community, and the university medical center autism team while providing a cost-effective means for families to access specialty care while promoting coordination of care within the community.

Brief report: use of interactive television in identifying autism in young children: methodology and preliminary data.

Children living in rural and underserved areas experience decreased access to health care services and are often diagnosed with autism at a later age compared to those living in urban or suburban areas. This study examines the utility and validity of an ASD assessment protocol conducted via video conferencing (VC). Participants (n = 17) included families with young children (2.5-6 years) requesting an evaluation for ASD in an interdisciplinary clinic. We randomly assigned families to complete an additional evaluation either in-person or via VC prior to their clinic appointment and compared diagnostic impressions to their interdisciplinary clinic evaluation. Results demonstrate excellent inter-rater agreement on diagnoses between clinicians in the VC setting and the interdisciplinary team, which suggests VC may be a viable method to increase access to autism diagnostic services, and ultimately early intervention, for families in rural and underserved areas.