Community-based care for autistic youth in the United States is a multifaceted and complex field. A recent study titled "Community-based care for autistic youth: community providers’ reported use of treatment practices in the United States" sheds light on the current landscape of practices utilized by community providers. This blog aims to distill key findings from this research to help practitioners improve their skills and outcomes for autistic youth.
Understanding the Research
The study surveyed 701 community practitioners from various disciplines, including allied health, behavioral, education, medical, and mental health. The primary focus was to identify the transdisciplinary psychosocial intervention practices used to address common ASD co-occurring problems: social difficulties, externalizing behaviors, and anxiety.
Key Findings
Exploratory factor analysis revealed four primary practice sets:
- Consequence-Based Strategies (CBS): These include techniques like differential reinforcement and functional communication training.
- Cognitive-Behavioral and Therapy Strategies (CBTS): Practices such as social scripts, graded exposure, and self-management.
- Antecedent-Based Strategies (ABS): Techniques like providing choices, environmental structuring, and visual supports.
- Teaching Strategies (TS): Methods including peer modeling, shaping, and task analysis.
Providers reported using ABS most frequently, followed by CBS, CBTS, and TS. Interestingly, behavioral disciplines reported the highest use of these strategies, while allied health and mental health providers reported lower usage rates.
Practical Implications for Practitioners
Based on the study's findings, here are some actionable steps for practitioners:
- Embrace a Variety of Strategies: Incorporate a mix of ABS, CBS, CBTS, and TS to address the diverse needs of autistic youth.
- Focus on Antecedent-Based Strategies: These are the most commonly used and can be easier to implement, making them a good starting point.
- Collaborate Across Disciplines: Effective community-based care requires coordination among various professionals. Use common terminology to facilitate better communication.
- Continuous Education: Providers with more years of experience reported using a broader range of strategies. Engage in ongoing professional development to enhance your skill set.
Encouraging Further Research
The study highlights the variability in practice use across different settings and provider backgrounds. It underscores the need for further research to understand the factors influencing these practices better. Practitioners are encouraged to stay updated with the latest research and consider participating in studies to contribute to the growing body of knowledge.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Community-based care for autistic youth: community providers’ reported use of treatment practices in the United States.
