Participation in Part C Early Intervention: One Key to an Earlier Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Abstract

To determine whether participation in a state early intervention program is associated with reduction in the age of diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). State agency, Medicaid, and Census data were integrated for children with ASD enrolled in a Medicaid waiver between February 2007 and March 2015 (N=1613). Ordinary least squares regression was used to estimate the relationship between participation in a state early intervention program and their age of diagnosis of ASD. The model explained 34% of variation in age of diagnosis (F[17,1595]=49.20, P<.0001, adj R2=0.34). After adjustment for key variables, compared with children who did not participate in early intervention, children who did participate were diagnosed 2years earlier (β=-23.97, P<.0001). Although conducted in only 1 state, this study suggests that participation in early intervention programs may be instrumental in earlier diagnosis of ASD. These findings underscore the importance of identifying children who qualify for early intervention programs, the value of encouraging childhood professionals (eg, early care providers and educators) to refer given documented barriers to pediatrician referral, and the need for research that identifies the mechanisms by which programs may promote earlier diagnosis (eg, service coordination, parent support).