In the world of special education, delays in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) assessments can be a significant source of stress for families. The recent study, "Coaching While Waiting for Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment: A Pilot Feasibility Study for a Randomized Controlled Trial on Occupational Performance Coaching and Service Navigation," offers promising strategies to alleviate this burden.
The study explored the feasibility of Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC) combined with service navigation support for families waiting for an autism assessment. The pilot trial included three groups: face-to-face coaching, videoconference coaching, and usual care. The results indicated that OPC, especially when delivered via videoconference, can significantly improve family and child outcomes.
Key Findings
- Retention Rate: The study achieved a 75% retention rate, with the highest retention observed in the videoconference coaching group.
- Goal Attainment: Families in the coaching groups showed higher goal attainment in performance and satisfaction compared to the usual care group.
- Parent Satisfaction: Parents reported high satisfaction with the OPC intervention, particularly when delivered via videoconference.
Implementation Tips for Practitioners
Based on the study's findings, here are some practical tips for practitioners to implement OPC while families wait for an autism assessment:
- Embrace Telehealth: Utilize videoconference platforms to deliver coaching sessions. This approach not only reduces travel time and costs but also increases accessibility for families.
- Focus on Goal Setting: Help families identify and prioritize functional goals. Use tools like the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) to track progress.
- Provide Service Navigation Support: Assist families in navigating available services and resources. This support can help them access necessary interventions even before the formal diagnosis.
Encouraging Further Research
The pilot study lays the groundwork for a larger randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of OPC and service navigation support. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this growing body of research by implementing these strategies in their practice and sharing their outcomes.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Coaching While Waiting for Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment: A Pilot Feasibility Study for a Randomized Controlled Trial on Occupational Performance Coaching and Service Navigation.
