ECHO Autism Transition: Enhancing healthcare for adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Transition-age youth and young adults with autism spectrum disorder have complex healthcare needs, yet the current healthcare system is not equipped to adequately meet the needs of this growing population. Primary care providers lack training and confidence in caring for youth and young adults with autism spectrum disorder. The current study developed and tested an adaptation of the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes model to train and mentor primary care providers ( n = 16) in best-practice care for transition-age youth and young adults with autism spectrum disorder. The Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes Autism Transition program consisted of 12 weekly 1-h sessions connecting primary care providers to an interdisciplinary expert team via multipoint videoconferencing. Sessions included brief didactics, case-based learning, and guided practice. Measures of primary care provider self-efficacy, knowledge, and practice were administered pre- and post-training. Participants demonstrated significant improvements in self-efficacy regarding caring for youth/young adults with autism spectrum disorder and reported high satisfaction and changes in practice as a result of participation. By contrast, no significant improvements in knowledge or perceived barriers were observed. Overall, the results indicate that the model holds promise for improving primary care providers’ confidence and interest in working with transition-age youth and young adults with autism spectrum disorder. However, further refinements may be helpful for enhancing scope and impact on practice.

Tackling healthcare access barriers for individuals with autism from diagnosis to adulthood

“…78 A recent adaptation of ECHO, known as ECHO Autism Transition, was successfully piloted to train PCPs on improving self-efficacy in caring for autistic individuals as they transition to adulthood. 79…”

Autism and physical health across the lifespan

“…Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) is a program in which primary care providers are trained through case-based learning to deliver specialized health care in their communities to increase access. Autism has become a major focus of Project ECHO (Mazurek, Parker, et al, 2020 ; Mazurek, Stobbe, et al, 2020) and may serve as an exemplary model for future programs.…”

Disability Training for Health Workers: A Global Narrative Systematic Review

“…23 Accordingly, many studies used case studies (n=28) as a way of learning how to improve care for people with disabilities. These tools were especially common in continuing professional development, as some programs ask patients to bring case examples to review anonymously to improve care 24,25 or were to spur reflection on their own work. Several case studies were conducted through online learning or innovative interactive methods.…”