As a practitioner working with children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the importance of evidence-based practices (EBPs) cannot be overstated. A recent study titled Attitudes Towards Evidence-Based Practice of Professionals Working with Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Bangladesh provides valuable insights that can help improve your practice.
The study, conducted in Dhaka, Bangladesh, assessed the attitudes of 150 mental health professionals and special teachers towards EBPs using the Evidence-based Practice Attitude Scale-36. The findings indicate that professionals generally have favorable attitudes towards EBPs, with significant variations depending on service settings (public clinical, private clinical, and special school) and caseload per year.
Here are some key takeaways from the study that can help you enhance your practice:
- Favorable Attitudes: Most professionals in the study showed a willingness to adopt EBPs, especially those working in private and special school settings. This positive attitude is crucial for the successful implementation of EBPs.
- Service Settings Matter: The study found that professionals in special schools were more likely to use a variety of EBPs compared to those in public and private clinical settings. This suggests that the environment in which you work can significantly impact your ability to implement EBPs.
- Barriers to Implementation: While many professionals reported few barriers to implementing EBPs, access to literature and ongoing training were identified as significant challenges. Ensuring you have access to the latest research and continuous professional development can help overcome these barriers.
- Importance of Training: Ongoing training and organizational support were found to be critical facilitators for the use of EBPs. Make sure your organization provides the necessary resources and support for continuous learning.
Implementing these findings in your practice can lead to better outcomes for children with ASD. By fostering a positive attitude towards EBPs, seeking environments that support their use, and addressing barriers through continuous training and access to resources, you can significantly improve the quality of care you provide.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Attitudes Towards Evidence-Based Practice of Professionals Working with Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Bangladesh.
