As a practitioner dedicated to improving outcomes for children, it is essential to continually refine your skills based on the latest research. The recent study titled "The Feedback Session of an Autism Assessment: A Scoping Review of Clinical Practice Guideline Recommendations" offers valuable insights that can enhance your practice, especially when delivering autism diagnosis feedback to families.
Key Findings and Recommendations:
1. Who Should Attend the Feedback Session:
- Ensure that both parents or primary caregivers are present.
- Include the child when appropriate, especially older children and adolescents.
- Consider involving educators or other support professionals.
2. Timing and Mode of Delivery:
- Conduct feedback sessions promptly after the diagnostic evaluation.
- Offer follow-up sessions to address additional questions and provide ongoing support.
- Utilize telehealth options when in-person meetings are not feasible, ensuring a local professional is present to support the family.
3. Manner of the Clinician:
- Use clear, straightforward language and correct terminology.
- Be compassionate, supportive, and non-judgmental.
- Encourage questions and actively check for understanding.
- Provide written reports to families and relevant professionals with the family's consent.
4. Content of the Feedback:
- Explain the diagnostic process, including the tools and criteria used.
- Discuss the child's individual strengths and weaknesses.
- Provide general information about autism and available resources.
- Offer tailored recommendations for support services, interventions, and educational accommodations.
5. Special Considerations:
- Use interpreter services for families who speak English as a second language.
- Be mindful of cultural considerations and the needs of carers with disabilities.
- Consider the educational background and coping styles of caregivers.
Gaps and Inconsistencies:
- There is no universal standard for feedback sessions, leading to variations in practice.
- Few guidelines address telehealth as a mode of delivery, despite its growing importance.
- Recommendations often lack specific details, which can lead to inconsistent practices.
Conclusion:
By implementing these evidence-based recommendations, you can improve the quality of feedback sessions, leading to better outcomes for children and their families. For a more comprehensive understanding, consider reading the original research paper.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: The Feedback Session of an Autism Assessment: A Scoping Review of Clinical Practice Guideline Recommendations.
